Go Montgomery!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Parking Lots are Danger Zones for Pedestrians

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett launched a public education campaign at the Leisure World Plaza Shopping Center to raise awareness about pedestrian safety in parking lots, especially for seniors. Over the last three and one-half years, there have been 1,496 pedestrian collisions in the county, and of those, about 22 percent, or 324 collisions, have occurred in parking lots. Pedestrian safety in parking lots has received little attention, either regionally or nationally.

Drivers 45 years of age and older and pedestrians ages 18 to 29 were disproportionately involved in parking lot collisions compared to the percentage of these age groups in the general population and among licensed Maryland drivers.

The County has prepared an online toolkit to facilitate conversations with neighbors, civic associations, community groups, religious organizations, service groups and others about staying safe in parking lots. The kit includes a 10-minute downloadable PowerPoint presentation, an article for civic or school newsletters or online list serves, a tip sheet for drivers and pedestrians about how to stay safe, and ways to get neighbors and friends involved.

For the online materials or more information, go to the County’s website.