City Kicks Off “Drive
with Care, Walk Aware”
Safety Campaign
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
January 10, 2017
CONTACT
Lisa Maher, Communications & Marketing Manager
lmaher@redmond.gov
425-556-2427
REDMOND, WA -
With
darker winter days and more people walking in Redmond’s downtown, the Go
Redmond program and Redmond Police Department are teaming up to educate drivers
and walkers on safe behaviors. The
“Drive With Care, Walk Aware” campaign focuses on how both drivers and people
walking can behave safely on Redmond roads. “With so many people living and working downtown we’re seeing more
people than ever walking in Redmond. It
is important for drivers to be looking out for walkers, and people walking to
stay alert to reduce the chance of conflicts,” said Becky Range, Redmond Police
Department Information Officer.
Safe
behaviors for walkers includes crossing at crosswalks, utilizing sidewalks and
walkways where available, and making eye contact with drivers before stepping
into the street. Wearing light colored
or reflective clothing will make it easier for drivers to see you. Drivers have
a responsibility to keep everyone safe by driving without distractions, looking
twice before turning for people walking and biking, and driving more slowly in
dark and inclement weather.
“Everyone
is a pedestrian at some point during the day, even if it is just walking from
the store to your car in the parking lot,” said Caroline Chapman, Go Redmond
Program Administrator. “Recognizing that it is a shared responsibility to look
out for one another will go a long way in making Redmond a safe and enjoyable
place to walk.”
Over
the next few weeks the city plans to roll out a safety education campaign that
includes tips for walking and driving safely and a pledge for Redmond residents
to practice safe behaviors to receive free safety accessories such as a
reflective arm band and blinker at www.GoRedmond.com/safety.
Additionally, Go Redmond will be hosting “Light Up Your Commute” events
throughout the winter at various Redmond employers and apartment buildings. Commuters will be invited to add reflective
gear to their bikes, jackets, and laptop bags to help increase their visibility
as they bike to work or walk to the bus stop.
For questions and more information contact Lisa Maher, Communications & Marketing Manager, at lmaher@redmond.gov or 425-556-2427. This press release is available on www.redmond.gov.
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