SF Police giving out citations to those who don't stop for the chicken crossing the road.

[CoopersDad]

Link to tweet

NEW: The San Francisco Police Department is dressing up as inflatable chickens to catch speeding drivers going through crosswalks.

The officers are giving out citations to those who don't stop for the chicken crossing the road.

The gig is paying off as the department has given out about 40 citations with some fines costing upwards of $400.

"If you don’t see someone in a giant chicken costume, then we really have a problem," said police Lt. Jonathan Ozol to the SFGate.

"It’s having an impact. Drivers seem more aware, more cognizant. Certainly when they see the chicken."

[BrianTheEVGuy]

1. This is kinda strange

I mean, by all means, enforce safety rules. But why do SF cops have time for chicken costume gimmicks but not enough time to prevent rampant thefts and car break-ins?

It’s so bad now that most people leave their cars unlocked with the trunk open so that crooks can see there’s nothing worth breaking the windows to steal.

Government needs to do a better job in SF, especially for the MASSIVE taxes that one pays to state and local authorities there.

[Deuxcents]

2. I'm ok with it.

[Shermann]

3. It seems to flirt with entrapment

He's stepping out at just the right time to force the driver to make a close stop or go decision. You could argue that if they blow through this test, they will do it again. Regardless it is focusing on manufactured infractions instead of real crimes committed elsewhere.

[dickthegrouch]

7. I disagree partly

I hope there are as many citations going to pedestrians who violate the flashing walk signs or flashing numbers. It is almost impossible to make a legal right turn in some places for all the pedestrians who begin crossing after the light starts flashing.

[LauraInLA]

8. I actually wonder how these crosswalk warnings work, given we now have the law allowing pedestrians

to cross anywhere, at will.

[TwilightZone]

9. It's not illegal to cross while the walk light or numbers are flashing.

It's a warning indicating the walk cycle is coming to an end. Pedestrians have the right-of-way until the cycle completes.

[dickthegrouch]

10. It is illegal to start to cross when it's flashing

Of course you can complete the crossing

[Shermann]

12. The crosswalk signal is generally more of a right-of-way indicator than one that prohibits the pedestrian from crossing

The legality of crossing a crosswalk without the appropriate signal can vary depending on local laws.

[dickthegrouch]

13. From dmv.ca.gov

Flashing Don't Walk or Flashing Raised Hand
Do not start crossing the street. The traffic signal light is about to change.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov › portal
Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road - California DMV - CA.gov

[3Hotdogs]

11. Your second sentence..... does the driver have time to stop or go?

The driver's speed and the posted speed for the roadway would have to be taken into consideration.

[kimbutgar]

4. I haven't heard or seen this but the drivers in SF in some areas don't stop and speed in the streets

I love they are getting tickets.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

5. Magnum Force. NT

[LetMyPeopleVote]

6. This made me smile