Special Traffic Enforcement in San Carlos – 9/28.

Enforcement Blitz.

If you are driving around San Carlos tomorrow (Friday 9/28), then you'll be wise to keep your iPhone out of your hand and keep your head on a swivel. The San Mateo County Sheriff's Department announced that they will be conducting a focused enforcement of traffic laws in San Carlos during the afternoon hours.  From what they have described in the news brief below, I would expect to see heavy enforcement at the main intersections close to the public schools that are chronically hard to cross (think Arroyo Avenue and Cedar Street, or White Oak Way and Cedar).  It would also not surprise me if there were watchful eyes on the crosswalks along the north stretch of Laurel Street, where crossing the street on a Friday afternoon can be a dicey proposition.

Regardless of where you are driving, know that the Sheriff's Department will have their ticket books out and ready to write.

Here is the press release from the Sheriff's Department:

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office will step up traffic safety enforcement operations in Millbrae and San Carlos on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, with focused enforcement on collision causing factors. The primary focus will be enforcement towards speeding vehicles, vehicles that fail to stop for a stopped school bus (with active lighting/sign displayed), vehicles driving in the bicycle lane, and pedestrian crosswalk violations. Millbrae: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. San Carlos: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tips for Drivers:

• Look out for pedestrians, especially in hard-to-see conditions such as at night or in bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk.
• Stop at the white crosswalk line to give other drivers an opportunity to see pedestrians as well. 
• Be cautious when backing up because pedestrians and young children can enter your path.
• Stop for all school buses that have their stop sign showing and lights flashing.

Tips for Pedestrians:

• Follow the rules of the road, use crosswalks or intersections, and obey signs and signals.
• Walk facing traffic and as far from oncoming cars as possible if there is no sidewalk.
• Pay attention to the traffic moving around you.
• Do not text or talk on a cell phone near traffic.
• Make eye contact with drivers as they approach. Never assume a driver sees you. 
• Wear bright clothing and reflective materials (or use a flashlight), especially at night.
• Look left-right-left before crossing the street.

This focused enforcement detail will be one of many efforts to address the ongoing dangers associated with unsafe traffic.