"WARWICK POLICE DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY RELATED TRAFFIC ISSUES"

During the Holiday period of November 1 through January 2, the Warwick Police Department deals with two significant traffic related problems within the City.

First, the number of pedestrian involved traffic collisions increases dramatically. Since January 1, 2015 the Warwick Police Department has investigated 36 pedestrian related motor vehicle collisions. In a number of these collisions the operator of the vehicle was not at fault and the pedestrian was issued a citation. The citation issued is 31-18-5 Crossing Other Than at Crosswalks. The statute states:

"Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway."

Second, is the increased traffic congestion and number of traffic collisions on Route 2/Bald Hill Rd. Part of the problem is associated with increased frustration of sitting in traffic, diminishing ones patience. A problem identified is the blocking of intersections as vehicle operators attempt to make the traffic control signal and get stuck in the middle of the intersection. During this period of time the Traffic Division and the Uniform Division will provide extra patrols in the Route 2 area. Major intersections will be monitored with unmarked cruisers and violations issued under statute
31-15-12.1 Entering Intersections. The Statute states:

"The driver of a motor vehicle shall not enter an intersection whether or not any traffic signal is green unless there is sufficient space in the roadway he or she is about to enter beyond the intersection to receive his or her vehicle without blocking the intersection."

The Warwick Police Department will initiate a proactive enforcement program to combat both of these issues.