Traveling in winter, with snow, ice and precious little daylight, can be treacherous for pedestrians and motorists alike.
The Mayor and Council will discuss pedestrian safety in Rockville during their meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16. Last year, the Mayor and Council endorsed Vision Zero, setting a goal of eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries on Rockville roads by 2030 through improved road design, traffic law enforcement and education.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers safety tips for walking and driving. Here are a few:
Driving Safety Tips
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
- Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the cross-walk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
- Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
- Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
Walking Safety Tips
- Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
- Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
Find more pedestrian safety tips at www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety, on Rockville 11 and at youtube.com/cityofrockville. Search “pedestrian safety.”