Las Cruces motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists are reminded to use caution when approaching or utilizing crosswalks.
Over the past several months, the Las Cruces Police Department has responded to several crashes between vehicles and pedestrians or bicyclists. All of the crashes could have been avoided had one or both parties followed regulations established by the state and city.
Drivers:
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
- Wait until pedestrians have crossed the roadway before resuming travel.
- Never pass another vehicle that has slowed or is stopped near a crosswalk.
- Reduce speed and use extreme caution when approaching other vehicles that have slowed or come to a complete stop in the roadway.
- Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and skateboarders.
- Do not use a cell phone or other electronic device while driving.
Pedestrians:
- Cross roadways only at marked crosswalks.
- Look both ways and wait for vehicles to stop before crossing a roadway.
- Make eye contact with the driver(s) before crossing.
- Look before walking past stopped vehicles.
- Obey pedestrian signals.
- Do not run across the roadway.
Bicyclists:
- When using a crosswalk, follow the same guidelines set for pedestrians.
- Use caution when transitioning between bike paths, roadways and sidewalks.
- Dismount and walk the bicycle when utilizing a crosswalk.
- Yield to pedestrians just as a motorist is required to do so.
- Use designated bike lanes or multi-use paths when available.
- Obey vehicle traffic signals and signage when using a roadway.
The traffic citation is $92 for a motorist not yielding to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, or for a pedestrian crossing a road at any point other than in a crosswalk. The Las Cruces Police Department is planning and will be conducting special traffic operations at or near crosswalks in the near future.
Information from Las Cruces Police