Jaywalk this way: Injuries up 20 percent

Accidents, fatalities related to jaywalking increase year by year in Hub Police: Don’t put your safety in crazy Mass. drivers’ hands Pedestrians laugh off $1 fines as mayor backs bumping tickets to $20 for first offense

A rise in pedestrian-related accidents and fatalities has law enforcement and legislators eying an increase in jaywalking penalties, which at $1 are among the nation’s lowest.

“A one-dollar fine is really difficult to enforce,” said Boston Police spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll.

Pedestrians were involved in 776 accidents  last year, a 21 percent increase from just 2006. Fatalities jumped from eight in 2005 to 20 in 2008.

Mayor Thomas Menino has backed legislation that would raise the fine to $20 for the first three offenses, and $50 for a fourth. Driscoll said the increase would create a degree of enforcement that is currently not possible except in extreme conditions.

Those on foot remain skeptical.

“We love to [jaywalk],” said 20-year-old Allston resident Caitlin Brett, who felt a rise in fines would barely alter her approach. “I would look both ways —to make sure there were no squad cars.”

Brett and other pedestrians blamed the rise in accidents on motorists. Police have taken note through “Operation Crosswalk,” an undercover sting that tickets drivers who fail to hold up their end of the bargain.