Yonkers Cracking Down On Jaywalkers, Motorists With Warnings, Signs
YONKERS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Drivers and pedestrians beware. Yonkers is targeting both jaywalkers and motorists who fail to yield to them.
WCBS 880's Paul Murnane On The Story
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Busy roads where crosswalks are often dismissed as a nice suggestion, including Yonkers and Central Avenues, are among the targeted locations.
Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner says there have been more than a dozen serious accidents involving pedestrians in the past year.
But he said this is not some ticket blitz.
"It's really to educate the community and try to increase safety for pedestrians. The focus is education and public safety," Gardner told WCBS 880 reporter Paul Murnane.
"Is it the pedestrian? Is it the driver?" asked Murnane.
"It's both," Gardner said. "It's just about raising awareness, reminding people that there is a law. You're supposed to cross at the crosswalk and nowhere else."
At this point, they'll be handing out warnings, not tickets.
"We're not looking to balance our budget on the backs of jaywalkers," Gardner said.
New "No Jaywalking" signs have gone up at some of the city's busiest intersections, but it's up to pedestrians and drivers to think and to stay alert.
