HPD stepping up patrols

The Helena Police Department and City Attorney's Office are increasing patrols in high pedestrian traffic areas in an effort to remind pedestrians and motorists of the rules of the shared road.

Police Lt. Steve Hagen says over the past 12 months the Helena area has had 18 vehicle versus pedestrian or bike accidents, including three that were fatal. He says they're using federal grant money, through Safe Routes to School and the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, to partially fund the increased patrols. Hagen says everyone needs to be willing to share the road.

Lt. Steve Hagen "It really is, it's a respect thing.  If the pedestrians respect the vehicles and the vehicles respect the pedestrians we'll have a lot less vehicle versus pedestrian accidents."

Lt. Hagen says officers in both marked and unmarked patrol cars will be on the lookout for violations, but only uniformed officers will be approaching people about the effort.

Story by Kaelyn Kelly, Beartooth NBC.
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