Salinas police target dangerous intersections

Salinas police officers targeted dangerous intersections on Tuesday, making sure drivers were yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. An officer, acting as a decoy, crossed the busy road back and forth.

The first stop was at Natividad Road at Sorrentini, an area considered dangerous because of the high speed limit and amount of foot traffic.

“I know if I had a kid trying to cross Natividad Road in the morning to go to school, I don’t think I would let him,” said Officer Kevin Orepeza.

The next stop was North Main Street at Navajo.

Two pedestrians we spoke to, knew a thing or two about dodging traffic trying to cross the six-lane roadway.

“Cars just usually want to go straight ahead and sometimes they want to race me,” Cindy Vargas said.

“Just pray and hope that no one runs you over,” Caroline Richardson said.

North Main Street has been considered one of the most dangerous roads for pedestrians in Salinas, with a number of deadly pedestrian crashes over the last few years.

Tuesday’s sting was held just a block away from where Salinas teenager Gabby Beas was struck and killed while she walked in a crosswalk. Andrew Bennett was later convicted and sentenced for riding the motorcycle that killed her.

81 citations were issued during the course of the day.

“The biggest excuse I’ve heard is ‘He stopped for me.’ I explained to them why the officer is stopping is because he wants to make sure you’re going to stop, because he sees you coming at him at 30 or 35 miles per hour and then either at the last minute slamming on your brakes or they just keep going,” Orepeza said.

Officers and pedestrians want to remind drivers to be patient.

“I know sometimes it’s frustrating, sometimes they’re walking in the crosswalk with their cell phones and they’re not paying attention or they’re taking their time, but just give them those couple of extra seconds and you’re going to save everyone a lot of grief,” Orepeza said.