(October 10, 2018) – The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration Highway Safety Office (MDOT MVA MHSO) today recognized National Walk to School Day, with a reminder to drivers about the critical role they play in pedestrian safety. The “Look Up, Look Out” pedestrian safety campaign raises awareness, and reminds drivers and pedestrians to observe traffic laws, follow the rules of the road, and look out for each other.
 

Schools across Maryland are participating in today’s annual National Walk to School Day event, sponsored by the Safe Routes to School program. With schools across Maryland hosting Walk to School events, drivers, as always, should expect to encounter pedestrians during morning and afternoon commutes. MDOT SHA and MDOT MVA MHSO representatives are joining Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School in the City of Baltimore and Takoma Park Elementary in Montgomery County.
 

“This day is about raising awareness for both pedestrians and drivers in an effort to prevent crashes and keep our citizens safe,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Greg Slater. “Through education, enforcement, and engineering, we will continue to reinforce traffic laws and the rules of the road to enhance pedestrian safety. We encourage everyone to be vigilant at all times and look out for each other. Special thanks to the schools hosting Walk to School Day events and continuing conversations about pedestrian safety in their communities.”

Last year, 111 pedestrians were killed in Maryland and 257 school-aged children were injured while walking during school arrival and dismissal times. Through the three “Es” of safety - education, engineering, and enforcement - state, local, and private partners are focused on preventing pedestrian crashes.
 

“It’s critical that we all look out for each other on our roadways, not just today, but every day,” said MDOT Motor Vehicle Administrator and Governor Hogan’s Highway Safety Representative Chrissy Nizer. “Pedestrians never win in a traffic crash. Drivers should focus on the task of driving including parking their phones and obeying posted speed limits, using special caution near bus stops and in school zones. We urge pedestrians to be extra vigilant of their surroundings and always utilize crosswalks.”
 

National Walk to School Day highlights the benefits of walking and biking to school:

• It’s Fun: Walking and bicycling bring a sense of joy and independence.
• Healthier Habits: The trip to school is a chance for children (and adults!) to get the physical activity they need.
• Cleaner Environment: Replacing car trips to school with walking or bicycling can reduce congestion and air-polluting emissions.
•  Reducing traffic congestion: Boosting a sense of community and improving neighborhood connections benefit the community.
 

The Look Up, Look Out campaign is an education initiative that reminds travelers that pedestrian safety is a two-way street, urging both drivers and pedestrians to make safe, smart choices on the road. The effort includes public service announcements, billboards, community outreach and social media efforts. This summer, MDOT SHA partnered with Chick-Fil-A and distributed 11,000 backpacks with reflective strips and educational information. To keep the message in front of our youngest pedestrians, members of the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens football organizations will be visiting elementary schools throughout Maryland for Walk Smart assemblies.
 

​To win a visit from the Washington Redskins, submit an entry here: Bring A Player to School.
 

To further enhance the safety of children, MDOT SHA offers the following tips:

 

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks whenever possible.

• Press the pedestrian signal button and wait for the walk

signal.

• Always stop at the curb and look left, right and left before crossing a street.

• Watch for cars turning in or leaving driveways.

• Walk, don’t run across the street.

• Wear light or bright colored clothing.

• Pay attention and take off headphones while walking – no texting or playing games.

 

 

• Always stop for pedestrians.

• Obey traffic signs, signals and markings.

• Don’t run red lights.

• Observe posted speed limits. Speeding only makes it more difficult to stop for pedestrians.

• Keep your eyes on the road. It’s illegal to use a handheld phone/device or text while driving.

• When a school bus stops, the flashing red lights go on and the stop sign flaps come out, drivers in BOTH directions are required to stop. This is the most dangerous time as children get on or off the bus.

• It is against the law to pass a stopped school bus with its flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended.

• Drivers must be patient. There is simply no room for aggressive driving around a school bus.