Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Hailey police hold crosswalk sting

10 drivers issued failure-to-yield citations

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By TERRY SMITH
Express Staff Writer

Ten motorists learned a $75 lesson last Friday that pedestrians have the right of way in Hailey.

The 10, who were cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, were among 17 drivers pulled over by Hailey police in conjunction with a crosswalk sting from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Elm and Main streets.

Hailey police Lt. Dave Stellers said the 10 citations represented the most egregious crosswalk violations. The other seven motorists were issued warnings.

The Hailey Police Department has been making a concerted effort the last few months to improve crosswalk safety in the city. Stellers said residents mainly applaud the program, but ticketed drivers often become irate.

"The people who get stopped just scream at us," Stellers said.

The typical crosswalk sting involves a plainclothes officer who serves as bait by strolling into the crosswalk. Police chase cars run down drivers who don't stop.

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Sgt. Steve England served as pedestrian bait for last Friday's sting.

"He's our best Frogger," said Patrolman Raul Ornales, referring to the once-popular video game.