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The Atherton Police Department, in collaboration with Redwood City Police and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a targeted “crosswalk safety emphasis” operation at the intersection of El Camino Real and Selby Lane on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
During the two-and-a-half-hour operation, 72 motorists were issued citations for crosswalk violations.
“We’ve had some crashes here in the past,” said Atherton Patrol Officer Karena Shum. Atherton Police Chief Steve McCulley said the department chose that intersection due to “ongoing safety concerns.”
As part of the operation, Atherton police employees dressed in plain clothes repeatedly walked across the marked crosswalk at El Camino Real and Selby Lane from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Uniformed officers stationed nearby observed whether drivers complied with pedestrian right-of-way laws. Drivers who failed to yield to the pedestrians were pulled over immediately, receiving a $238 fine and a point on their DMV record.
“Strict enforcement discourages reckless driving and sets a clear expectation of compliance. Knowing that violations will result in consequences makes drivers more likely to obey the law,” McCulley said.
He added that enforcement educates drivers and pedestrians, contributes to a responsible driving culture and ensures safer streets for pedestrians.
“El Camino has had a lot of accidents and we want to make sure drivers are looking out for pedestrians; it’s the law,” said Detective Gina Dutta, one of the officers crossing the street. “Drivers could be distracted or in a rush and that’s how accidents happen.”
During the operation, Dutta walked through the crosswalk amid fast-moving traffic. When asked if she was scared, Dutta responded, “Sometimes it can be a little scary, but it’s important to keep pedestrians safe.”
Dispatcher Debby Allen, also participating as a pedestrian decoy, said, “It can be very dangerous to cross El Camino sometimes.”
“Motorists yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks is crucial for public safety, preventing accidents, and fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment,” McCully said.
He added that similar pedestrian safety enforcement operations are planned “in the near future.”
“We just saved a life,” Allen remarked as a vehicle sped past her in the crosswalk, prompting immediate pursuit by an observing officer.
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Why isn’t the RWC PD performing similar operations in RWC? The El Camino Real / Broadway intersection is fraught with drivers failing to comply with pedestrian right-of-way laws. Maybe they could hand out some speeding tickets to the large number of drivers who speed through downtown as well.