Agencies promote traffic safety awareness at Exposition Park intersection as part of Safe Stop Initiative

EXPOSITION PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Several agencies were out in force Monday in an effort to keep pedestrians safe at a busy Exposition Park intersection as part of the Safe Stop Initiative.

Workers from the University of Southern California and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority joined the Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol to promote traffic safety awareness.

They handed out gift bags and advice on crossing one of the busiest intersections in the city of L.A.

At Vermont Avenue and Exposition Boulevard, you've got USC, the Coliseum and the Expo Line stop. During the morning and afternoon rush hour, it's congested with people and vehicles. The common sense advice, which works just about anywhere you live, is be aware.

"We want everyone to be aware, especially the people who travel back and forth - our commuters - to be aware of how dense this intersection can be and just to be aware of their surroundings. Actually, what we're really looking for is for everyone to be patient with one another and to share the roadway here," said LAPD Lt. Perry Griffith.

There are a lot of moving parts at the busy intersection, and pedestrians said this particular area can be a challenge to cross.