It is not unusual to see people ditch the crosswalks and jaywalk across streets in and around De Anza. It just seems so much easier than walking over to a crosswalk and waiting for the necessary signal to start walking. Little do people realize how reckless illegal pedestrian crossing, or jaywalking, really is, making it one of the prime causes for accidents and deaths. 

The California Vehicle Code Section 21955 makes jaywalking an infraction, making the current fine $25 plus penalty assessments, with every county setting its own fine for violating the California Vehicle Code, De Anza College Police Chief Ron Levine said.

“It is a safety issue and if you cross a street unsafely, it may result in injury or even death,” said Levine. “Crosswalks are placed at intersections for the safety of pedestrians. Lawfully, you must use a crosswalk if it is present at an intersection.”

Students at De Anza have different feelings about crosswalks and the fines associated with jaywalking.

“Jaywalking should be cited. If people were more responsible, there may not be so many accidents. If it’s a busy street and it’s chaotic, the money you’ll probably pay for jaywalking will deter you doing it,” psychology major Jason Germond said. Another student, undecided major Martin Salas, said, “I’ve never experienced a fine or had an issue with jaywalking. Crosswalks help communities stay safe. To some extent, I agree with the fine. I use the crosswalks all the time.”

Students think that a fine may not be the answer to controlling jaywalking, because there are other more serious crimes that may need attention.

“If it’s residential, that still makes a lot of sense. If it’s a busy street, there are so many crosswalks almost 20 feet away from where you are. So, I get pretty frustrated when people don’t use the crosswalks,” communications major Zach Denny said. “They should do something about it but a fine may not be the solution. There are plenty other things that need a fine.”

However, it can be dealt with some commitment and a little sense of responsibility. Use crosswalks whenever possible. Wait for the necessary signal. Wait for the cars to stop. Look around carefully and then cross over. Stay calm and patient and control the urge to run across the street to the other side, no matter how fast you may be. It’s always a challenge to beat the speed of oncoming cars. Save the money you would get hit with in citation tickets and use it to shop this holiday.