Police to enforce crosswalk laws
By Staff
Culpeper Police plan to step up patrols and write traffic tickets to motorists who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Sgt. Jason Deal said the enforcement action was prompted by citizen complaints and observations from town police officers.
Police plan to focus on the crosswalks on North Main Street from Edmondson Street north of the County Administration Building south to Locust Street, which is south of the Post Office.
All of the intersection crosswalks are marked with either the new brick pavers or paint. Brick pavers will be added to the painted intersections once South Main Street is repaved later this year.
“It is important for drivers to know that once a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, they have to yield the right of way,” said Sgt. Deal.
The law also applies to vehicles pulling out from an intersection and turning, with a pedestrian already in a crosswalk.
Section 46.2-924 of the Code of Virginia states, “Drivers of vehicles entering, crossing or turning at intersections shall change their course, slow down or stop, if necessary, to permit pedestrians to cross such intersections safely and expeditiously.”
The selective enforcement action will continue throughout the summer and on random days. Undercover police officers or volunteers will be employed in the crosswalks to ensure drivers stop and allow the pedestrian to continue across the street. Police also will monitor crosswalks when normal citizens are crossing the street.