The Ogden Police Department has been doubling down on traffic enforcement, with a particular focus on protecting pedestrians in high-risk areas. According to KUTV, the department carried out educational and enforcement operations on Tuesday at intersections near schools, including 12th Street and Gramercy Avenue, as well as 33rd Street and Harrison Boulevard. This proactive approach comes in response to an upward trend in auto-pedestrian crashes in the area.
In a similar vein, KSL TV highlighted the police department's crosswalk operations, which included the use of a city worker repeatedly crossing the street to test drivers' adherence to yielding laws. Lt. Glen Buss of the Ogden police emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting, "It’s a very high-speed, heavily traveled road, so when crashes do happen, they tend to be more severe." The police hope that by enforcing these operations, they can reduce the frequency and severity of such collisions.
These crosswalk operations are not just about handing out citations, they aim to instill a culture of road safety among drivers, especially considering the proximity to schools and the vulnerability of child pedestrians. As reported by KSL.com, Lt. Buss expressed a preference for prevention over punishment, saying, "If I never had to issue a citation because everyone was obeying the law, it would be a great day for me."
By stopping numerous cars, the police are sending a clear message to the community about the importance of vigilance and compliance with traffic laws. "All too often, these are children being hit, so we want to make sure we are limiting that," Lt. Buss said, as per KSL.com, highlighting the human cost at stake. The Ogden Police Department's recent measures reflect a commitment to making the roads safer for every pedestrian, a move that's been met with both approval and renewed attention to the shared responsibility of roadway safety.
