Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Reminds Residents to Share the Road

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office will join their law enforcement partners from around the region to conduct the spring 2015 Street Smart Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Campaign. The campaign will remind residents to obey traffic safety laws whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist or driver

      

As part of the campaign, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is conducting an education and enforcement campaign March 23 through April 19 in areas of high traffic pedestrian and bicycle crossings.

 

"It is important to bring attention to pedestrian and bicycle safety and to ensure residents know the rules of the roadway," said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. 

      

The Street Smart campaign urges all commuters to avoid distractions such as cellphones, reminds drivers to slow down and yield to those on foot or on bicycles at intersections, and encourages pedestrians and bicyclists to wear light colors or something reflective to be more visible. 

      

Motorists are reminded that they must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian when they are within a marked crosswalk. Pedestrians must cross at appropriate locations and consider their safety first. (Street Smart Safety Tips) 

 

If You're Driving

 

  • Slow down and obey the speed limit
  • Look twice for people in crosswalks and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists
  • Be careful when passing stopped vehicles
  • Yield to pedestrians and cyclists at intersections when you're turning
  • Allow three feet when passing bicyclists
  • Look for cyclists and cars before you open your door
  • Slow down and obey the speed limit
  • Avoid using your cellphone and never text while driving

 

If You're Walking

 

  • Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they're available
  • Wait for the "Walk" signal to cross the street
  • Before crossing look left, right, and left again
  • Be seen! If you're walking after dark or in bad weather, make it easier for drivers to see you by wearing light clothing or something reflective
  • Don't text while you're crossing the street
  • If you're on an off-street trail, obey all posted signage and approach intersections with caution

 

If You're Biking

 

  • Obey all traffic signs and traffic signals
  • Ride in the direction of traffic, at least a car door width away from parked cars
  • Use hand signals so drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians know what you're going to do
  • Always wear a helmet
  • Use lights if you're riding at times of darkness
  • If you're on an off-street trail, obey all posted signage and approach intersections with caution

 

Sponsored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), the Street Smart public awareness and enforcement campaign is in its thirteenth year. The goal of this program is to reduce pedestrian and cyclist injuries and deaths in the Washington metropolitan area. 



 
 

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