TOPPENISH — From now to the middle of September, Toppenish police will be paying particular attention to the behavior of pedestrians and motorists during Operation Safe Stroll, a crosswalk safety education and enforcement emphasis program.

According to a press release from police, “Officers will be watching to see that pedestrians waiting to cross the street at marked crosswalks have the right of way, as motorists are required to stop and allow them to cross safely.”

The release also reminds pedestrians “to use marked crosswalks in order to more safely cross busy streets and roads.”

Police provided a list of eight responsibilities of motorists and pedestrians:
1. Both motorists and pedestrians must follow any and all traffic control devices.
2. Motorists must stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian or bicycle to cross the roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk, until the pedestrian or bicycle has cleared the portion of the crosswalk in the motorist’s direction of travel.
3. No pedestrian or bicycle may enter the roadway in a manner that causes the motorist to be forced to stop quickly.
4. No vehicle may pass a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian or bicycle in a crosswalk.
5. Any pedestrian entering the roadway from an unmarked crosswalk must yield the right of way to motorists.
6. Pedestrians may not cross the roadway diagonally.
7. Pedestrians may not cross the roadway if signs prohibit that crossing.
8. Pedestrians who enter the roadway suddenly from an unmarked crosswalk and raise their hands in an official manner as if to demand motorists to stop may be subject to a criminal citation.

Both motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to use caution when entering a crosswalk location.

Motorists who operate their vehicle in an aggressive or reckless manner may be subject to other criminal citations, according to police.