Cops to Drivers: Stop for Pedestrians [PHOTOS]

Hundreds of people cross streets in Woburn daily, especially during warm weather like this past week. But how many cars stop for pedestrians in cross walks?

In less than an hour Wednesday morning, stopped at least eight cars that failed to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk.

"For the most part, people do stop," said WPD Sgt. Paul Tenney.

But for those that didn't on Wednesday, they were given a written warning and a Woburn Police Department Pedestrian Safety pamphlet.

One driver argued with Woburn Police Officer Mario Pascuccio Wednesday as the patrolman handed the man a warning.

"This is normally a $200 fine, sir," Officer Pascuccio informed him.

Woburn Police conducted the pedestrian safety operation Wednesday at four intersections downtown. Sgt. Tenney and Officer Pascuccio were working their regular shift, while Officers Michael Pacheco and Ian Hunt were able to assist thanks to money from a Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Grant. The grant was procured by Lt. Chris Wackrow through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration earlier this year.

With the grant money, Woburn Police has produced the Pedestrian Safety pamphlets and hopes to run more crosswalk operations this summer.

How did the police capture so many drivers Wednesday? WPD summer intern Erin Murphy crossed Main and Pleasant streets several times between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sgt. Tenney kept an eye on the traffic, signaling to Officers Pascuccio, Pacheco and Hunt which cars did not stop for Murphy.

"We're focusing on the Three E's of traffic safety," said Sgt. Tenney. "Education, enforcement and engineering."

Residents with concerns or suggestions regarding pedestrian safety should contact the Woburn Police at 781-933-1212 ext. 813 or online at police@woburnpd.com.

Pedestrian Safety and Responsibilities:

• Only use designated crosswalks
• Do not assume drivers can and will stop
• Use good judgment
• Be predictable, wear bright colors or use reflectors at night

Driver Safety and Responsibilities:

• Be attentive
• Be alert
• Remember when turning on a green light, the pedestrian has the right of way
• Pedestrians crossing at an uncontrolled intersection have the right of way
• Do not pass vehicles stopped for pedestrians

Information provided by the WPD Traffic Safety Division.