Police try to boost traffic safety

Jaywalkers crossing the intersection of 34th and Walnut streets Friday afternoon were greeted by University Police officers bearing bright orange slips of paper. But the officers weren't handing out tickets. They were issuing brochures of safety tips to pedestrians and bicyclists instead. As part of "Operation Cross Walk," University Police have targeted dangerous intersections around campus and will hand out safety brochures to pedestrians during heavy traffic hours. Director of Police Operations Maureen Rush explained that the University worked with the city to help set up the new program. The Philadelphia Police Department runs a similar pedestrian safety program in problem intersections across the city. The University Police brochures contain pedestrian safety tips as well as warnings for motorists and bicyclists against careless driving. The pamphlets remind pedestrians that jaywalking tickets carry a possible $71 charge in fines and court costs and note that half of the 2,400 annual pedestrian vehicle injuries in Philadelphia are "the pedestrian's fault." The brochures also informed readers that careless driving tickets -- which could be issued to bicyclists as well as motorists -- could cost up to $91 in fines. Pedestrian safety has been a concern for Public Safety officials following several hit-and-run accidents on campus -- most recently, a female student was hit by a car November 9 while crossing 39th and Walnut streets. The student was treated for minor injuries. University Police Sgt. Tom Messner said police officers had passed out approximately 500 pamphlets last week and will continue to do so at problem intersections every Friday for the next three months. He added that officers would be at 33rd and Walnut streets -- "the biggest problem place on campus" -- and at other dangerous intersections on and around campus during heavily congested times such as the morning or lunchtime hours. Although Philadelphia Police plan to ticket pedestrians for jaywalking after an initial warning and information period, Messner said University Police officers would not begin ticketing "unless the problem becomes exaggerated." Several University Police officers said most people seemed receptive to the pamphlets and many had even stopped to ask questions. The effort is the latest in a series by Public Safety officials designed to improve pedestrian safety at the busy intersection at 33rd and Walnut streets. That location has been the scene of several auto accidents in the past few years, including four 1995 accidents involving students. In the aftermath of those accidents, University officials worked with Philadelphia Police to improve safety at the intersection by posting speed limit, "no turn on red," and pedestrian caution signs.