Fee hike, checkpoints planned to keep crosswalks safe

LONE TREE - Last year, several Lone Tree residents complained about drivers hitting pedestrians in crosswalks near area schools and the Lone Tree library. Lone Tree Police responded to eight accidents where five people were hurt. So the police department and the city decided to take steps to protect pedestrians.

Of the eight accidents in 2008, two happened within the school zone at Eagle Ridge Elementary. Three people were hurt. Most of the complaints about drivers hitting pedestrians were reported around Lone Tree Elementary School, Eagle Ridge Elementary School, Cook Creek Pool and the Neighborhood Library at Lone Tree.

In December 2008, the city council passed a proposal to increase fines for failing to yield to pedestrian. Instead of a $100 fine, a $150 fine will be in effect starting March 16. Motorists will have to pay a $300 fine for failing to yield within a school zone.

The police department wants parents to make sure their children know they should look a second time to make sure it's safe to cross the road and make direct eye contact with drivers to make sure the drivers see them. Free brochures and booklets containing this information will be available at area Lone Tree schools, the Lone Tree Recreation Center, the Lone Tree Public Library and City Hall.

Police will also make available a program geared toward younger children, Buckle Bear, to area kindergarten classes and daycare centers. The program focuses on pedestrian, bike, child seat and seatbelt safety.

As for motorists, police want them to make sure drivers are also taking a "second look" for pedestrians. According to Police, the majority of accidents in Lone Tree happened when a driver making a right or left turn didn't see the pedestrian crossing the street.

The Lone Tree Police Department will begin setting up operations to make sure drivers are continuing to yield to our pedestrian community. At first drivers will get a written warning, but this summer, they'll start handing out tickets.