Most traffic incidents involving pedestrians occur in the fall
and winter. In Michigan since 2012,
there have been nearly 100 pedestrian fatalities in November alone. Please keep the following tips in mind to
help you and others stay safe.
When driving:
ALWAYS be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially at
intersections and in areas of high traffic, such as city centers, near
playgrounds and in school zones.
Remember that pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users,
and are much more likely to suffer serious injury or death in a crash than
someone in a car.
Pedestrians, along with bicyclists, motorcyclists and
mopeds, can be more difficult to see as they are smaller than cars. Give them extra room especially when visibility
is limited, such as at night, or in bad weather.
 Never attempt to pass a vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross.
If you see a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog, avoid honking the horn or revving the engine; these noises are distracting and cover important audible cues used by the blind. Also avoid blocking designated crosswalks. This makes it especially difficult for a visually impaired or blind person to cross the street.
When walking:
Use designated crosswalks or paths whenever possible. Look both ways twice and make eye contact with drivers.
Avoid distracted walking. Don’t let your phone or earbuds prevent you from paying attention to your surroundings.
Wear clothing that makes it easier to be seen. Bright colors are best during the day, while reflective clothing should be worn at night.
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Ford
Driving Skills for Life and the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning
(OHSP) are offering 60 Michigan high schools the opportunity to participate in
Strive for a Safer Drive (S4SD). S4SD is a safe driving initiative aimed at
reducing serious traffic crashes involving teen drivers, the leading cause of
death among teens nationwide. The application process is quick and easy. All
Michigan high schools are eligible to apply.
Schools
selected will receive $1,000 to develop and implement a student-led,
peer-to-peer traffic safety awareness campaign. Resources and guidance will be
provided to help schools create a successful campaign. Cash prizes will
be awarded to the top five schools.
S4SD
is a great opportunity for school leaders to teach teens about safe driving
through peer-to-peer teaching. Student groups and advisors from audio-visual
classes, auto shop classes, Distributive Education Clubs of America, (DECA),
health classes, leadership development committees, marketing classes, national
honor societies, Students Against Destructive Decisions, (SADD), Students
Leading Students (SLS), student councils, and youth advisory councils have
participated in the past. Any teacher, coach, parent, police officer
liaison, youth mentor, or school administrator can advise a team of students.
Interested
schools should complete an application by
Friday, November 17, 2017. For more information, please
visit the S4SD
website to view previous school projects and an S4SD video, as well as the following
links:
If
you have any questions, please contact Tony Surman, Program
Coordinator, Transportation Improvement Association, at 248-334-4971 ext. 301.
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