ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cornell University Police is joining the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other traffic safety partners across the country to celebrate the launch of World Health Day 2004, April 7, with a new traffic and pedestrian safety initiative. The CDC's public health theme for this year's World Health Day observance is "Family Road Safety: Protect the Ones You Love." Each year, WHO recognizes a World Health Day to address a critical global public health issue. This year marks the first time that worldwide road safety and accident prevention efforts will be highlighted.

In an effort to increase awareness of road safety issues on the Cornell campus and to improve road safety at the university, Cornell Police will institute its new "Courtesy Promotes Traffic Safety" program beginning April 7. "It is our firm belief that courtesy helps create an environment in which motor vehicle crashes are less likely to happen," said Cornell Police Sgt. Chuck Howard.

The first phase of the traffic-safety program will begin with Cornell Police's "Safe Crosswalks" project. The motto for this program, Howard said, is "Think of the impact you could make. Stop for pedestrians." Crosswalk safety has been identified as a major traffic problem on the Cornell campus, he said.

On April 7, Cornell Police will be fielding a pedestrian "decoy" operation in the central campus area, primarily on East Avenue, Howard said. During the day, plainclothes Cornell Police officers will be crossing the streets at crosswalks with other pedestrians. Any violation of the New York state crosswalk law that is observed will be cited. Intersections also will be monitored for stop sign and red light violations.

This "Safe Crosswalks" project is funded through a grant from the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. After April 7, and throughout the year, Cornell Police will be using "decoy" patrols on a random basis.

For more information, contact Howard at (607) 255-1111; e-mail ceh@cornell.edu .