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Crosswalk safety an important topic as Methuen police target drivers

METHUEN, Mass. — Methuen police are targeting drivers who blow through crosswalks without stopping for pedestrians, but it can sometimes be a dangerous job.

“I almost got hit by the first car and then almost got hit by the second car,” Police Capt. Greg Gallant said.

How many times have you stepped out into a crosswalk and nobody will stop?! I'm reporting on this tonight on our 10 and 11 news. #boston25

Posted by Ted Daniel Boston 25 on Thursday, August 31, 2017

Gallant is six feet tall and the crosswalk is painted bright red, but that wasn't enough for drivers to stop Thursday.

“This is the most important time of year because school is staring and you have a lot of students especially at the bus stop.  There's a bus stop just down the street from this location,” Gallant said.

Boston 25 News reporter Ted Daniel spoke to several people, including one mother who uses the crosswalk regularly with her two children.

“We'll count the number of cars that literally drive by us or the car will stop and almost get rear-ended because nobody else is paying attention,” Melissa O’Connell said.

Traffic enforcement officer Jeff Torrisi says failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk is a $205 fine and points on your license.

“It's a good fine, rightfully should be. You don't want to run over a pedestrian, you don't want to live with that. I think you would rather pay the fine,” he said.

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