Eugene Police Department to conduct pedestrian safety operation at 17th and Patterson on May 6

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department announced that its Traffic Safety Unit will conduct a special pedestrian safety operation at the intersection of 17th Avenue and Patterson Street on Wednesday, May 6.

According to the department, officers will be stationed in the area from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of an effort to improve pedestrian safety and ensure drivers are following traffic laws at the busy intersection.

During the operation, the Traffic Safety Unit will use a decoy pedestrian who will repeatedly walk across the intersection within a marked crosswalk. Officials said traffic cones will also be placed near the intersection to give drivers enough distance and time to recognize and respond to a pedestrian crossing.

The operation is designed to monitor driver behavior and reinforce compliance with Oregon’s pedestrian safety laws. Officers will be watching to see whether drivers properly yield to pedestrians and follow traffic rules in areas known for high foot traffic.

Police said the intersection of 17th and Patterson has a significant volume of both vehicle and pedestrian activity, making it an important location for targeted enforcement and education.

The Eugene Police Department is reminding all roadway users to remain alert and cautious, especially in areas where pedestrians are frequently present. Drivers are expected to understand and follow laws requiring them to yield and take appropriate action when pedestrians are in crosswalks.

At the same time, pedestrians are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings and take responsibility for their own safety when crossing roadways.

Under Oregon law, both drivers and pedestrians are required to act with “due regard.” This means that even when someone has the right-of-way, they must still behave in a way that avoids putting themselves or others at risk.

The department said operations like this are part of ongoing efforts to reduce crashes and improve safety for everyone using Eugene roadways.