New on today's
Bulletin Board

Preparation course offered for American Board of Health Physics Part 2 Examination

Mobile shoe service on March 27 and 28

Wednesday, March 27, 2002

Motorists should use caution, be alert for annual Good Friday walkers to Chimayo

Every year on Good Friday, thousands of people walk to Chimayo in observance of the Easter holiday. Many of them walk along heavily used roads, such as NM 502 and 503 and U.S. 84-285.

Captain Terry Delgado of the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office said that beginning about noon Thursday traffic patrols will be increased on U.S. 84-285 when the majority of walkers begin their journey. The increased law enforcement presence -- including DWI and traffic enforcement units -- will continue through Easter Sunday afternoon.

Sheriff's deputies will be assisted by State Police, Española Police Department, Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Department, and tribal officers from Tesuque, Pojoaque, Nambe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, said Delgado. In addition, personnel from volunteer fire departments in Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties also will be assisting.

"We see an increase [in walkers] starting [today], but the majority of people begin walking on Thursday and safety becomes an issue," said Delgado.

He said sheriff's deputies will hand out 3,000 glow-in-the-dark sticks to walkers beginning Thursday at Tano Road and U.S. 84-285; the NM 503 and U.S. 84-285 intersection; and at the NM 106-NM 76 intersection. The glow sticks make walkers more visible to motorists at night, Delgado said.

He also suggested that walkers purchase reflective tape and apply it to clothing, or wear reflective safety vests over clothing. "If you have some type of safety vest or anything that is reflective or will illuminate the body, we recommend you wear that," he said. Delgado also urged people making the annual walk not to smoke or use any flammable devices because of the extreme dry conditions.

Motorists should reduce speeds and drive as far away from the road shoulder as possible, said Delgado. "Pay attention to speed and your driving and don't drink and drive," he said, adding, "Hopefully we'll have enough of a presence out there that we won't have too many problems."

• Delgado also provided these safety tips for walkers:
• wear bright clothing, especially Thursday night, traditionally the busiest evening during the weeklong religious event
• take a flashlight and water
• dress warmly and in layers and wear comfortable shoes
• stay on the shoulder and don't cross onto the roadway. Walkers shouldn't use the median that divides four-lane U.S. 84-285
• walk in groups of at least three or more for safety reasons.

Delgado also said that walkers should not use the U.S. 84-285 overpass at NM 502, but rather, should use County Road 84 E to County Road 109 S and then onto NM 503.

"We're trying to make this as safe a pilgrimage as we can," said Delgado.

--Steve Sandoval

Other Headlines