Wilmington Police launch jaywalking enforcement campaign to improve pedestrian safety

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department has launched a new citywide enforcement campaign aimed at reducing jaywalking violations and improving pedestrian safety.

As part of the effort, officers are focusing on education and enforcement to help reduce preventable pedestrian crashes. Over the past two months, WPD says it has issued nearly 40 citations to people who had previously been warned about jaywalking. In that same period, officers issued about 70 warnings as part of an education-first approach.

“Our goal isn’t to just hand out tickets—it’s to save lives,” said Wilmington Police Chief Ryan Zuidema. “We’ve seen too many preventable pedestrian crashes in recent years, and simple changes in behavior—like using crosswalks and sidewalks—can make a major difference between life and death.”

The campaign follows state law, which requires pedestrians to yield the right-of-way to vehicles when crossing outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk and prohibits walking along roadways when sidewalks are available.

Police officials are urging both drivers and pedestrians to remain alert and follow traffic laws.