Officers from University Police and Reno Police will begin targeted enforcement of crosswalks near the university starting April 9, 2007
RENO, Nev.— On April 9, 2007, University Police, in cooperation with the Reno Police Department and the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety, will begin a pedestrian safety campaign by targeting enforcement at a crosswalk adjacent to the university.
“We constantly work to reduce the likelihood of conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians in the area of the campus”, said Todd Renwick Associated Director at the University Police Department. Renwick added, “We have been very fortunate in having very few accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians and we hope additional efforts in education and enforcement will keep the campus area safe for pedestrians.”
April 9, 2007 will be the first joint pedestrian safety enforcement effort between University Police and Reno Police. There will be motor units from both police departments present issuing citations to motorists who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Increased enforcement efforts and an education campaign for pedestrians will continue through the end of the school year.
University Police recently received grant funding from the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety to purchase two enduro type motorcycles. The motorcycles are street legal with on and off road capabilities and were specifically obtained for enforcing laws against motorists who violate the right of way for pedestrians.
“The two enduro motorcycles are ideal for use in the university environment. They are small enough to access any area of campus while still street legal and ideal for finding a location to monitor roadways where pedestrians cross”, said Lieutenant Kevin Youngflesh of the University Police Department. Youngflesh also said the new motorcycles will be utilized by officers to spot intoxicated drivers, especially during concerts and athletic events.
The April 9, 2007 enforcement will last about three hours and utilize the enforcement model of the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety. Renwick said the model includes placement of cones in advance of the crosswalk to ensure motorists who fail to yield for pedestrians were given ample time to observe the pedestrian and come to a stop. Police officials plan to video tape the event for training purposes and for evidence against any driver cited for violating the right of way of a pedestrian.
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For immediate release April 9, 2007
Contact: Kevin Youngflesh University Police Lieutenant
Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University of Nevada, Reno has more than 16,000 students and four campuses with Cooperative Extension education programs in all Nevada counties. The University is listed as one of the country’s top 150 research institutions by the Carnegie Foundation, and is home to America’s sixth-largest study abroad program and the state’s medical school.
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