'Chicken Cop' Finds Little Protection on Safety Patrol

Why did the chicken cross the road?

In this case, it was a test to determine how aware drivers were about pedestrians -- human or fowl -- crossing the streets of Menifee.

As part of the Menifee Police Department's latest pedestrian safety enforcement operation on Thursday morning, a police officer crossed local streets many times in a crosswalk, dressed in a yellow chicken suit. According to a news release, many drivers did yield to the 6-foot chicken, but others did not.

The final result of the safety operation? According to police, 72 vehicles were stopped and 72 drivers were cited for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian. One driver was cited for driving with a suspended license and one vehicle was towed.

Not all infractions were related to the "chicken pedestrian." The operation was conducted from 7 a.m. to noon in crosswalk locations where pedestrian complaints have been received and where accidents have occurred.