CMPD spreads word of pedestrians hit by cars in uptown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Almost 200 people have been hit by cars in uptown Charlotte in the past five years.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police spread out across center city Tuesday to stop pedestrians and drivers from breaking laws to putting lives in danger.

In the flood of the uptown lunch crowd, nearly 30 officers on foot, bike and motorcycle watched for people breaking traffic laws in the danger congestion of cars and people.

Results of Operation Watch for Me:

Pedestrian violations (crossing midblock or against the electronic signals): 453
Vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks: 7
Seat belt violations: 4
Other citations: 8
Warrants: 1

Sgt. David Sloan told Channel 9 the statistics since 2010 are startling. There have been three fatalities inside the Interstate 277 loop, four others just outside of uptown.

"We've had 190 pedestrians struck inside the I-277 loop," Sloan said.

In front of police and Channel 9 cameras, pedestrians broke the law.

Eyewitness News' camera also caught drivers ignoring pedestrians with the right of way by driving right through the crowds crossing the street.

David Smuda knows the danger too well -- he was hit by a car while walking in uptown in 2012.

In the same month, Wells Fargo manager Brett Morgan was killed by a dump truck in the same area.

"I was hit from behind," Smuda said. "So, I notice that's something I'm doing more often going through the intersections, just looking behind. just trying to make sure there's nothing creeping up."

Smuda still suffers occasional memory loss from the concussion he suffered.

In two hours, police handed out more than 453 warning tickets to pedestrians and to seven drivers who didn't yield.

It’s an effort Smuda hopes will change people's behavior permanently to make uptown safer.

Everyone stopped by CMPD got a warning ticket which explains the laws.

Police said a citation could cost pedestrians and drivers more than $200.

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