What We Know: Springfield police will be watching for drivers and pedestrians breaking traffic laws during another Crosswalk Yield Check on Friday, Aug. 14.
The enforcement operation is planned at Jefferson Avenue and Bennett Street. It is part of the Springfield Police Department’s ongoing effort to improve pedestrian safety and reduce distracted driving.
What It Means: During the check, one officer will pose as a pedestrian and attempt to legally cross the street. Another officer will watch traffic, while a third will make stops when violations are spotted.
Police say officers will be watching both drivers and pedestrians. Depending on the circumstances, officers may issue either a warning or citation.
What’s Next: The checks are designed to remind drivers to yield at crosswalks and follow Missouri’s hands-free driving law. The city hopes the added enforcement will help reduce crashes and close calls involving pedestrians.
Springfield has focused on pedestrian safety through its SGF Yields campaign since 2017. The city has also adopted the Safer Streets SGF Plan, with a goal of eliminating traffic deaths by 2040 and disabling-injury crashes by 2050.
The pedestrian safety enforcement is funded through a Missouri Department of Transportation Traffic and Highway Safety Division grant.
(Photo Courtesy: Springfield Police Department)