Montgomery County Offers Tips for Pedestrian Safety

The holiday season means more traffic on Montgomery County streets and in shopping center parking lots and the end of daylight savings time making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, county officials on Tuesday launched the “Eyes” campaign to promote pedestrian safety.

The county’s Department of Transportation offers these tips:

Drivers:

• Look twice for people in crosswalks and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Be careful when passing stopped vehicles.
• When turning, yield to pedestrians and cyclists at intersections.
• Allow three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists.
• Look for cyclists and cars before opening the vehicle door.
• Slow down and obey the speed limit.
• Do not use a cell phone while driving. Use of hand-held cell phones while driving is illegal in Maryland.

Pedestrians:

• Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they’re available.
• Wait for the “Walk” signal to cross the street. Before crossing look left, right, and left again.
•  Be seen–especially after dark or in bad weather. Wear reflective items or flashing lights.
•  Whenever possible, make eye contact with a driver before crossing the street.
• Don’t text while crossing the street.

Bicyclists:

• Obey all traffic signs and traffic lights.
• Ride in the direction of traffic, at least a car door width away from parked cars.
• Use hand signals.
• Always wear a helmet.
• Use lights when riding in the dark. 

For more information see this news release on the “Eyes” and “Shop With a Cop” campaigns or click here to visit the county’s pedestrian safety website.