08/24/2022
Good info to share
MOTORISTS URGED TO SLOW DOWN, PAY ATTENTION AS MARYLAND STUDENTS HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL
Drivers and Pedestrians Reminded to Stay Alert, Look Out for One Another
(August 24, 2022) – With hundreds of thousands of public and private school students returning to the classroom for the 2022-23 school year, the Maryland Department of Transportation is reminding drivers & pedestrians that everyone has a role in keeping MD’s youngest commuters safe, whether they travel by car or school bus, or walk or ride a bike or scooter.
According to the MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office, there have been 295 fatalities this year on MD roadways as of Aug 1, including more than 70 pedestrian fatalities. Motorists should always follow these safety measures, particularly in school zones and neighborhoods:
· Always stop for pedestrians.
· Obey traffic signs, signals and markings.
· Observe posted speed limits. Speeding makes it more difficult to stop for pedestrians.
· Look before backing out of a driveway or parking space.
· Keep your eyes on the road. It’s illegal to use a handheld phone/devise or text while driving.
· Remember that when a school bus stops, the flashing red lights go on & the stop sign arm is extended, drivers in BOTH directions are required by MD law to stop if there is not a median.
Parents are reminded of their important role as leaders by example. Please discuss pedestrian safety behaviors with your children, with special emphasis on these safety tips:
· Use sidewalks & marked crosswalks whenever possible.
· Press the pedestrian signal button & wait for the walk signal.
· Always stop at the curb & looking left, right and left again before crossing a street.
· Watch for cars turning in or leaving driveways.
· Be sure to walk – not run – when crossing the street.
· Stand away from traffic and the street when waiting for the school bus; wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the students to enter the bus.
