Go Montgomery!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Pedestrians and Drivers Urged to be More Cautious with Switch Back to Eastern Standard Time

Our clocks are scheduled to “fall back” to Eastern Standard Time on November 6 and unfortunately, with this change can come an increase in pedestrian collisions. Fewer hours of daylight and people in dark-colored coats can make it even more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians crossing at night or in bad weather.

Motorists are urged to slow down and watch for pedestrians. In any collision between a car and a pedestrian, it’s the pedestrian who will bear the brunt of the impact, regardless of who is at fault.

Pedestrians are urged to remember:

• When you’re in the street, you’re in the danger zone!
• Stay on guard even when you’re doing everything right.
• Don’t expect drivers to see you or react in time.
• Before you step off the curb look left-right- and then left again.
• Get off the cell phone and stop texting so you’re not distracted.
• While crossing, keep looking around for cars.

The County’s aggressive pedestrian safety program has invested millions of dollars in improvements – and the investment is making a difference. In cooperation with the State Highway Administration, the County is working to address engineering improvements to reduce collisions on both State and County roads. Police are also doing their part through enhanced enforcement to ensure that motorists obey the law.  

The message to pedestrians is: Stay alert to stay alive in the danger zone.  

For more information, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/walk.

CATEGORIES: Pedestrian Safety
POSTED AT: 6:00:00 AM |