Gaithersburg Police Issue 9 Citations, 131 Warnings In Pedestrian Safety Initiative

In hope of preventing another fatal incident involving a pedestrian, Gaithersburg police took to three high-risk intersections to promote pedestrian safety to walkers and drivers alike.

On March 26, from 4-9 p.m., Gaithersburg officers were stationed at Clopper Road at Firstfield Road, Route 355 at Odend Hal Avenue and Great Seneca Highway at Orchard Ridge Drive, according to a news release. 

The focus was on pedestrians not properly using crosswalks, drivers failing to stop at clearly marked stop lines and drivers failing to yield to pedestrians. Drivers and pedestrians observed in violation received either a citation or a pre-printed warning. 

Officers issued 131 warnings and nine traffic citations to both pedestrians and drivers and handed out 65 educational brochures to pedestrians during the initiative. One traffic stop resulted in an individual being charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance. 

“Pedestrian safety remains a concern, especially in areas where citizens often cross against the pedestrian signal, putting themselves at risk of being struck by a vehicle,” Police Chief Mark P. Sroka said in a statement. “We will do all we can to encourage awareness and compliance of the rules of the road for both pedestrians and drivers.” 

A number of pedestrian fatalities have already occurred in Montgomery County this year. Most recently in Gaithersburg, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a school bus on Clopper Road.

The Gaithersburg Police Department reminds pedestrians and drivers of the following: 

Drivers 

• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. 
• Slow down and obey the posted speed limit. 
• Use caution when passing stopped vehicles. 
• Look for pedestrians stepping out from between parked cars. 

Pedestrians 

• Cross the street only at marked crosswalks and intersections. 
• Before crossing, look left, right, then left again. 
• Use pedestrian pushbuttons. 
• Wait for the “Walk” signal to begin crossing the street. 
• Wear clothing that makes you as visible as possible, especially after dark and in inclement weather. 

Related Content:

• How Would Gaithersburg Walkers Improve Pedestrian Safety? (March 28, 2013)