Local agencies are pitching in as the Vernal Police Department continues their Pedestrian Safety Operation for the beginning of the school year. On Wednesday, Utah Highway Patrol took a turn. “We assisted with their effort to provide for the safety of pedestrians within the City,” shares UHP Sgt. Kellie Oaks. “Many violators were stopped for failing to yield to pedestrians within a crosswalk.” Part of this operation has been to educate the public on the laws when it comes to pedestrians in roadways. When a pedestrian steps off a curb, it is the obligation of the drivers to slow or stop until lanes of travel are clear. If a vehicle is stopped for a pedestrian, the operator of any other vehicle approaching from the rear must also stop and may not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle. The operation is all about safety. “We hope people know we care about their safety and the safety of their families,” shares Sgt. Oaks. “We encourage people to slow down and look out for each other as they travel throughout the day.”
