'PEST' to scan streets in coming days

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Starting Sunday, pedestrians will need to pay extra attention to where they walk.

The Austin Police Department Highway Enforcement Command will be creating a Pedestrian Enforcement Safety Team, also known as PEST, to conduct a pedestrian initiative through Nov. 5.

They said the goal is to educate the community on pedestrian laws and to conduct enhanced enforcement operations. Police said they will choose locations based on crash data analysis.

Pedestrian violations include:

• Pedestrian crossing at point other than crosswalk
• Disregard pedestrian control device
• Solicitation by pedestrian
• Pedestrian crossing where prohibited. For example, MoPac and Interstate 35.
• Pedestrian in the roadway

Pedestrian safety tips from police

• Walk on sidewalks. If sidewalks are not available, walk on the edge of the road or on the left shoulder of the road, facing the traffic flow. Use pedestrian bridges when they are available.
• Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections. Cars most often hit pedestrians when they cross the road at places other than intersections.
• Look left, right, and left for traffic. Stop at the curb and look left, right, and left again for traffic. Stopping at the curb signals drivers that you intend to cross. Always obey traffic signals.
• See and be seen. Drivers need to see you to avoid you.
• Stay out of the driver's blind spot.
• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets.
• Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night.
• Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.
• In bad weather, make sure that your umbrella or raincoat does not prevent approaching vehicles from seeing you.
• Watch your kids. Small children should not cross streets by themselves or be allowed to play or walk near traffic. Kids cannot accurately judge vehicle distances and speeds and may make unpredictable movements.
• Drinking and walking? Alcohol can impair the judgment and motor skills of pedestrians just as it does for drivers. Don't take alcohol risks with walking, just as you would not with driving. Take the bus, take a cab, or have a friend drive you home. Beware of the effects of prescription and nonprescription medications and drugs, too.
• Obey traffic signals. At intersections where traffic is controlled by signals or a traffic officer, pedestrians must obey the signal and not cross against the stop signal unless specifically directed to go by a traffic officer.