Michigan DOT Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) October 2, 2018

October 2, 2018 – 34 people died on Michigan roadways since last week making a total of 756 this year.  In addition, 131 more were seriously injured for a statewide total of 4,101 to date.  

Compared to last year at this time there are 17 fewer fatalities and 360 fewer serious injuries.  

*******************************************************************************

Walk.Bike.Drive Safe campaign begins today! Please help us spread the word

Contact: Jenya Abramovich, SEMCOG Plan Implementation, or Trevor Layton, SEMCOG Communications.

Today is the official launch of SEMCOG’s traffic safety education blitz. For two weeks, SEMCOG is targeting everyone who walks, bikes, or drives in Southeast Michigan with a few simple messages:

• Distractions are Deadly (Stay aware and watch for others on the road)
• Darkness is Deadly (Use a bike light)
• Turn Safely: Look, Wait, Turn (Wait for pedestrians and cyclists to clear before turning)
• Safety is everyone’s responsibility (Whether you drive, walk, or bike)

The goal of this campaign is to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries throughout Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

SEMCOG members and partners are encouraged to participate in the campaign and use the materials to send messages to residents.

• Take your cues from us on social media. We’ll post daily messages on Facebook and Twitter. When posting on social media, please remember to tag @SEMCOG and use the hashtags #WalkSafe, #BikeSafe, and #DriveSafe.
• If you post a message on an electronic sign in your community, please send us a photo. A sample message may be: Distractions are deadly. WalkBikeDriveSafe.org
• Look out and listen up for messages while traveling in the region from October 1-14. You might catch us on the radio, on billboards, or on TV.
• Need additional information? Check out this website and this news release.