10/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2024 12:30
Stay Alert for Pedestrians and Bicyclists and Follow the Rules of the Road
With the sun setting earlier and Halloween approaching, motorists need to stay alert for pedestrians and bicyclists. October is designated National Pedestrian Safety Month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
"Highway safety is everyone's business," said State Highway Administrator Will Pines. "It's essential that all users adhere to the rules of the road. We must drive, walk and bike with safety in mind."
According to the NHTSA, 78% of pedestrian fatalities nationwide occur when it's dark outside. To help increase safety, pedestrians are encouraged to wear bright colors and reflective clothes when using roadways at dusk, nighttime and early morning hours.
"Adhering to the speed limit, driving sober and minimizing distractions are the responsibility of all drivers and essential for ensuring pedestrian safety," said MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who is also Governor Wes Moore's Highway Safety Representative. "Increased speeds, distractions and impairment lead to longer reaction times and greater stopping distances, which can result in devastating consequences for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users struck by vehicles."
In a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, a pedestrian is far more likely to be seriously injured or killed. According to the Motor Vehicle Administration's Highway Safety Office, there were 2,892 crashes involving a vehicle and pedestrian in 2023, resulting in 2,837 injuries and 159 fatalities.
Motorists are urged to:
The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan and the Context Driven Guide are components of the Maryland Department of Transportation's Complete Streets policy, designed to ensure accessible, equitable and safe options are prioritized for all users throughout the state's transportation network. The policy supports options such as walking, bicycling and using mobility aids, as well as e-bikes, e-scooters and other human- or low-powered means.
Click herefor additional pedestrian safety tips. For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, go to the Project Portalor visit the homepage at roads.maryland.gov. Stay in touch by visiting the agency's Facebook, Twitter(now X) and Instagrampages.