(October 9, 2013) – Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) urges drivers to be on alert this morning, International Walk to School Day.  Among the thousands of children walking to school throughout Maryland will be Kensington Parkwood students in Montgomery County. 

 
“Walk to School Day provides the perfect opportunity to remind drivers there is never a contest between a pedestrian and a vehicle,” said Maryland State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Please stay alert, obey posted speed limits, especially during the early morning and evening hours when it is still dark outside and visibility is limited.”

 

Last month, SHA launched a “Back to School” pedestrian safety campaign featuring the iconic Maryland crab, an expansion of the successful Ocean City Walk Smart! effort conducted this summer.  The effort reminds families to start a conversation about traffic safety and best practices when walking.  At the same time, the campaign issues reminders to drivers to stop for pedestrians.  This month, SHA is focusing on bicycle safety with a new public safety campaign: We’re on this road together: expect and respect.

 

“As drivers, we’re programmed to look out for other vehicles on the road.  This fall, we’re reiterating that we must also focus on all roadways users: especially pedestrians and bicyclists.  While traffic safety is always a two-way street, we need to remember that when we’re behind the wheel, any error can have tragic consequences,” continued Administrator Peters.
 
SHA offers these tips for drivers and pedestrians:
 
For Drivers:
• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks – it’s Maryland State Law.  Crosswalks exist at all intersections – even if they are unmarked. 
• Remember pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks; motorists must yield to them when turning.  Stop for pedestrians when making a right-turn-on-red or left-turn on full green, leaving enough room at intersections so that pedestrians can cross safely. 
• Vigilantly watch the roadway at all times, and always follow the speed limit, which may be lowered in designated school zones.
• Drivers need to remember the unpredictability of children and be on the lookout for all pedestrians.   
• Remember, make sure you and your passengers are buckled up properly.  Seat belts are your number one defense in a crash. 

For children walking and biking to school:

• Cross the street at marked crosswalks and intersections.
• Always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing.  Continue looking in this manner until you are able to cross safely.
• With your parents, choose the quickest and safest route with the fewest street crossings.
• Wear reflective material...it makes you more visible to street traffic.
• If biking, always walk your bike across intersections and wear a helmet.
 
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