(College Park, MD - May 9, 2014) – Following a meeting in which Maryland State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters and key staff met with the University of Maryland President Wallace Loh, Prince George’s County, City of College Park and law enforcement, the State Highway Administration (SHA) is announcing immediate steps to enhance safety along US 1 and suggested actions for the university community, businesses and law enforcement partners.
“We thank President Loh for hosting the meeting today and for each of the attendees affirming his/her organization’s commitment to enhancing pedestrian safety along US 1. With everyone involved committing resources for enforcement, engineering and education, the collective effort will be much more impactful,” said Administrator Peters.
The common denominator for many of the recent pedestrian involved crashes has been the late night crowd crossing the road not using cross walks or stepping into oncoming traffic. As we have seen working with our partners across the state, an effective strategy has been deploying numerous police officers and employees of local establishments to help people cross safely when bars close. This approach worked well in Ocean City where there are similar issues. SHA encourages the additional dedication of resources for pedestrian safety during these critical late night timeframes.
SHA’s immediate (within two to four weeks) steps include:
• Install “Don’t Cross” markings along curb line on sidewalk along US 1 to remind pedestrians to not cross mid-block and use cross-walks with the walk signal.
• Install “No Pedestrian” signs in the median
• Evaluate intersection lighting (bulb wattage) at signals
• Trim trees and foliage if obstructing existing warning signs
• Refresh all crosswalk pavement markings at intersections – will begin on May 12th (weather permitting)
• Install four “State Law - Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalks” signs between Paint Branch Parkway and Calvert Road
• Install pedestrian crossing warning signs at marked crosswalks, where feasible/space permits
• Confirm the pedestrian “Walk and Don’t Walk” times at signals
• Partner with University, law enforcement, the student body, business owners and elected officials on unified strategies on education and enforcement
• Evaluate automatic recall (alleviates the requirement to push button for a walk signal) for pedestrian crossings
• Evaluate timing cycles for signals to reduce pedestrian wait times
• Evaluate speed limits along US 1; currently posted at 30 MPH and local speed cameras are in place
“At SHA, safety is our top priority and we are very concerned by the latest heartbreaking tragedies here in College Park. We remain committed to working in partnership with the University, student body, school and county police and US 1 businesses on a multi-faceted approach to improve safety,” added Administrator Peters.
SHA has already been working with the community on a full evaluation of safety along US 1, and will have a pedestrian road safety audit report early summer.
The communications representatives from SHA and the University of Maryland are already working together on a safety education effort to remind both pedestrians and drivers along US 1 about the basic rules of the road.
“As we work with the University and other partners, SHA reminds pedestrians in College Park to look up, stay alert, use marked crosswalks and follow the pedestrian signal indications. Designate a responsible friend to remain sober and make sure everyone gets home safely,” said Administrator Peters. “At the same time, we remind drivers to be particularly alert along US 1 - to follow the posted speed limit and stop for pedestrians. By following the rules of the road and looking out for each other, we can prevent crashes and save lives.”
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