The Salem Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a vehicle-pedestrian safety campaign on September 14th, 2018. The goal of these safety campaigns is to enhance safety in our community through education to both pedestrians and vehicle operators. Locations are chosen based on crash and complaint data received by the department.
 

During the campaign, 68 drivers were contacted for pedestrian-related violations, with the majority receiving education and warnings. There were 22 citations/warnings issued for other violations and one cite and release arrest was made.

The locations designated for this campaign were Summer Street NE at Hood Street NE and Commercial Street NE and Columbia Street NE. These location was selected due to complaints of pedestrians nearly being struck by vehicles near the Boys and Girls Club and Highland Elementary School. Although Oregon law states that every intersection should be considered to have a crosswalk whether marked or not, officers chose to focus on education of drivers found to be in violation at marked crosswalk locations.

The Salem Police Department will also be working with the Public Works Department to address engineering improvements which may help increase crosswalk visibility/safety at the above intersections, and will also continue to work on education and enforcement projects to enhance traffic safety.

This safety campaign is in partnership with Oregon Impact, ODOT and NHTSA in order to address pedestrian and crosswalk safety through education and enforcement.