Public Safety the Priority
This year during Holy Week thousands of people are expected to converge onto roadways in Santa Fe County to walk to Chimayo in observance of the Easter holiday. Many pilgrims walk along heavily trafficked roads, such as NM 502, 503, and U.S. 84/285.
Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Deputies have increased traffic patrols and their overall presence on roads and in communities.
Historically, the majority of walkers start their trek to Chimayo on Holy Thursday but pilgrims have already begun their trek.
The enhanced law enforcement efforts by sheriff’s deputies include DWI checkpoints and traffic enforcement patrols.
On Thursday evening, April 14th, sheriff’s deputies will begin distributing glow-in-the-dark sticks to walkers. The distribution of the glow sticks is a public safety measure, which helps to make walkers more visible to motorists at night.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza encourages walkers to take extra precautions to be more visible along the roadways, especially if they are walking at night. Walkers can purchase reflective tape and apply it to clothing or wear reflective safety vests over their clothing.
Sheriff’s deputies will be assisted by other area law enforcement agencies, including the New Mexico State Police, Santa Fe Police Department, Pojoaque Tribal Police Department, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, during the 2022 Santuario Pilgrimage.
Motorists are reminded to reduce speeds and drive as far away from the road shoulder as possible. “It’s very important that people driving cars pay attention to their speed and keep an eye on the road for those people walking along the roadway,” said Sheriff Mendoza.
The following safety tips are provided for walkers:
• Wear bright clothing, especially if you are walking at night
• Dress in layered clothing
• Take a flashlight and water
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Walk on the east side of concrete road barriers
• Don’t cross onto the roadway
• Do not walk in highway medians
• Walk in groups of at least three or more for safety reasons
• Don’t Drink and Drive
• Call 911 for emergencies
Original source can be found here.
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