(October 7, 2013) – Send good out; good will come back. Be considerate of others; others will consider you. These are good instructions for life, and they also work well on the road. The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) highlights “Mind, Body, Vehicle” during national Drive Safely Work Week, October 7-11. The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and partners are proud to join with NETS and ask drivers to exercise good “Car-ma” by sharing the road safely.
“For most people who commute daily to and from work, the most dangerous part of their day is the time they spend in their vehicles,” said State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Drive Safely Work Week offers employers and employees an opportunity to stop and consider the importance of safe driving, both on and off the job. Promoting safe driving is not only smart business, it is everybody’s business.”
Coinciding with Drive Safely Work Week, Maryland has two new driving laws that took effect last week. One law makes hand-held mobile phone use while driving a primary offense, and the other law mandates that every passenger in the vehicle must wear a seat belt. This means that adults are required to wear seatbelts when traveling in rear seats.
Additionally with dusk settling sooner, SHA reminds drivers to watch for pedestrians and cyclists. The new bicycle lane markings included in many resurfacing projects are visible reminders to drivers and bicyclists alike to share the road safely. A new educational effort: “We’re on this road together: Expect and Respect” reinforces that message.
“While drivers tend to look for other vehicles, they do not necessarily expect bicyclists on the road. Particularly as days get shorter, we remind drivers to stay alert, pass bicyclists carefully and be cautious when making right turns,” continued Administrator Peters. “At the same time, we ask bicyclists to drive their bikes in an expected manner – follow the basic rules of the road and stay visible with bright and reflective clothing and gear.”
Reminders for the Road:
• Drive focused – Maryland law prohibits hand-held cell phone use and texting while driving – Maryland law enforcement agencies are actively issuing citations.
• Buckle up! It’s the law in Maryland and your number one defense in a crash. The new law requires that everyone wear a seat belt – even adults in the back seat.
• Place children in the proper child safety seats.
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Give at least three feet of space when passing bicyclists and stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Move over to an adjacent travel lane away from emergency vehicles - Maryland law requires it.
• Check your vehicle’s lights, tires, and battery and windshield wipers for proper operation.
• Slow down and pay attention, avoiding distractions such as cell-phone use, changing CDs and eating. Observe all posted speed limits.
• Never drink and drive! Designate a sober driver.
• Drivers with cellular phones can dial #77 or 911 to report suspected aggressive or drunk drivers.
• In the unfortunate case you are involved in a minor crash; please safely move your vehicle from the travel lanes – required by Maryland law.
• When walking, cross the road at intersection and use crosswalks. See and be seen!
In inclement weather –
• See and be seen. Maryland State Law requires the use of headlights while windshield wipers are in use.
• Wet road surfaces are not ideal and require particularly attentive driving.
• Slow down, increase your distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you, avoid distractions and drive defensively.
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