Full Notification

The Moreno Valley Traffic Team conducted a Pedestrian Decoy Program today. The Department has received numerous complaints regarding motorists not stopping for pedestrians in various crosswalks and intersections throughout the city. These intersections are utilized for students walking to and from local schools in the area. The California Vehicle Code requires motorists to yield to all pedestrians in a crosswalk.

Today’s operation was conducted at Eucalyptus Avenue X Running Deer Road, and Cactus Avenue X Philo Street. This operation is just one aspect of the Department’s Directed Enforcement Program. This program utilized an undercover police officer walking in the crosswalk. In previous operations many of the motorists stopped for these violations said they never saw the pedestrian in the crosswalk.

In an effort to make our pedestrian more visible, he was dressed today in a “Santa Claus” costume. Many motorists who were stopped today said they saw Santa Claus in the crosswalk. Our goal is to make motorists more aware of their surroundings and to be vigilant while driving, especially near schools and crosswalks.

The following safety tips can save lives and stop a tragedy from occurring:

Drivers can:

Look out for pedestrians, especially in hard-to-see conditions such as at night or in bad weather.
Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk where pedestrians are likely to be.
Stop at the crosswalk stop line to give drivers in other lanes an opportunity to see and yield to the pedestrians too.
Be cautious when backing up – pedestrians, especially young children, can move across your path. See http://www.safercar.gov/parents/InandAroundtheCar/backover.htm Opens in New Window
Pedestrians can:

Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road, cross at crosswalks or intersections, and obey signs and signals.
Walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible if there is no sidewalk.
Pay attention to the traffic moving around you. This is not the time to be texting or talking on a cell phone.
Make eye contact with drivers as they approach. Never assume a driver sees you.
Wear bright-colored clothing during the day and reflective materials (or use a flashlight) at night.
Look left-right-left before crossing a street.
Today during our two-hour decoy program, 10 motorists received citations for “failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.” In addition to the crosswalk citations, seven motorists were cited for cellphone use, one for unlicensed driver, and one for an illegal U-turn. This program is scheduled to run throughout the year at various locations throughout the city. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For additional information the Moreno Valley Police Department Traffic Division may be reached at (951) 486-6900.