Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Brooke Walker ReportingPolice say accidents are not uncommon this time of year. With the holiday season just around the corner, things tend to get busy and rushed. While safety may not be on the top of your Christmas shopping list, it is on the mind of local authorities.
It's the time of year when shoppers hit the streets.
Detective Kevin Joiner, Salt Lake Police Dept.: "It's similar to when the weather starts warming up we tend to see a lot more people downtown and a lot more people driving and walking."
And as people begin to ring in the season, they have a lot on their minds.
"Bargains."
"I like to look at the displays and the lights."
"I have a list. I'm a hunter."
"I have an agenda, gotta get shopping finished and done as quick as I can."
Detective Kevin Joiner: "A lot of time they are thinking about their lists, their kids, what they are going to do when they come home."
But police hope downtown visitors will also think about safety.
Det. Kevin Joiner: "Any time you get pedestrians and motor vehicles in the same area in large numbers, you are going to see accidents."
Because of that, police are cracking down.
Det. Kevin Joiner: "We will be issuing citations for people failing to stop for people in crosswalks and if pedestrians are crossing against the signs."
And while downtown Salt Lake may not be as busy as other large cities, police want the area to be considered "walkable".
Det. Kevin Joiner: "We want people to come down and enjoy everything downtown has to offer, but we want them to be safe as well."
Other holiday safety tips include trying not to walk long distances with your hands full; it puts you in a vulnerable position. Also make sure and lock all of your purchases securely in your trunk, completely out of sight.
