Warwick, RI— The Warwick Police Department has announced officers will be aiming to limit the amount of jaywalking and driver-blocked intersections and are asking the public to take care and exercise patience during the holiday season through Jan. 1.
During this time of year, according to a release from the department on Thursday, officers deal with two significant traffic related problems within the City:
1. The number of pedestrians struck by vehicles increases dramatically
Since Jan. 1, 2015 the Warwick Police Department has investigated 36 pedestrian related motor vehicle collisions. In a number of these collisions the operator of the vehicle was not at fault and the pedestrian was issued a citation. The citation issued is 31-18-5 Crossing Other Than at Crosswalks. The statute states:
“Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.”
2. Traffic congestion and crashes on Rte. 2/Bald Hill Road increase
Part of the problem is associated with increased frustration of sitting in traffic, diminishing ones patience. Drivers often block intersections while attempting to make the light and get stuck in the middle of the intersection. During this period of time the Traffic Division and the Uniform Division will provide extra patrols in the Rte. 2 area. Major intersections will be monitored with unmarked cruisers and violations will be issued.
31-15-12.1 Entering Intersections. The Statute states:
“The driver of a motor vehicle shall not enter an intersection whether or not any traffic signal is green unless there is sufficient space in the roadway he or she is about to enter beyond the intersection to receive his or her vehicle without blocking the intersection.”
The Warwick Police Department will initiate a proactive enforcement program to combat both of these issues, according to Thursday’s release.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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