The Daily Texan reported yesterday that the APD began a jaywalking crackdown to prevent auto-pedestrian accidents. After a reported 461 auto-pedestrian crashes occurred in 2007, the APD is increasing the number of jaywalking citations issued with fines up to $280.
I find it hard to criticize the measures be taken too harshly as the motive behind the crackdown is to ensure our safety. There are those we see everyday barely escaping oncoming traffic while distracted by cell phones and ipods that could use a $280 wake-up call.
But, for the purpose of playing devil’s advocate (and because this really could be ridiculous) I must question the initiative. For every jaywalking pedestrian there will be a dangerous driver turning on red. (Though, I would love to see APD on bicycles try issuing the herd of students crossing at 24th and Guadalupe tickets as they sprint out into the street at the last blinking hand crosswalk signal.)
The ticket below was issued to a jogger who ran across the street at an intersection when no oncoming traffic was in sight. It was an easy way for APD to collect a quick $280, but ultimately not ensuring the safety of anyone.
March 26th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I witnessed cops roaming West Campus yesterday, specifically 25th and Nueces. Watch out all jaywalkers, cops are on the prowl!!
March 26th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Why do we need regulations to monitor jaywalkers? If they can’t obey the rules, they will suffer the natural consequences. I don’t wish anyone ill, but paying attention to one’s surroundings is the least we can expect from pedestrians. If they can’t do that……
April 16th, 2008 at 11:56 am
No one should be issued a citation when exercising. There are situations where police should stop people when jaywalking — they could even be commended for the act, but while someone is running… REALLY?
April 16th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I am the Jogging Jaywalker. I wanted to post because I had my court hearing two days ago — Monday, the 14th. I knew my ticket had been posted about and here is my ‘better-late-than-never’ reaction response.
As I was sitting in the waiting room, after having been sentenced to eight hours of community service, I began a conversation with two guys that had just been charged with the same crime. I asked them what they were doing when they were ticketed. One said he was leaving 6th street intoxicated at three in the morning, and the other had been peeing on the side of road (Why was he charged with a jaywalking ticket?? Another story altogether I suppose). I then told them that I was actually out for a run and was stopped by two policemen on bikes (Here I will happily insert the fact that the prosecutor even made a remark that the ticket was pretty ridiculous in his opinion and had the Texas not just reported on the issue and crackdown initiative that he would have been very inclined to throw it out all together, but I digress).
Point in case- these two guys were charged with the same crime as I was but committed two very different offenses. Offenses I might add that warrant different citations, with harsher punishments. Frustrating as it may be to have received this ticket, I did in fact jaywalking so I guess the citation is warranted. What I do feel is completely unfair is that I received this ticket just as two others did for actions that I personally feel warranted different punishments. I was jogging mid-afternoon on 7th and Congress. I jog approximately 40 miles a week and am fully aware of and familiar with traffic patterns (i.e. safety!). If I am going to get this ticket, fine. But I do not feel that I should receive the ticket if others are receiving the same citation under vastly different circumstances. I know that when it comes to legal matters the law is the law and case-by-case allowances are fairly impossible to uphold- if my jogging across a street with no on-coming traffic in sight is given a ticket because when someone darts across a busy intersection has to be issued one as well- fine! But the same ticket shouldn’t be given to others committing different crimes. If they are, then case-by-case allowances are being made and circumstantial situations should be accounted for when issuing someone like myself a ticket…I guess with that all being said I can now step down from my soapbox.
April 17th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
That sucks…
I actually asked a police officer (during the whole Crown Vic situation that I blogged about) about jaywalking, and she said police officers have been ordered to crackdown on jaywalkers by their superiors…so they are out to impress now…