(May 24, 2012)  - The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and Garrett County officials announced two upgraded pedestrian safety crossings along US 219 (Garrett Highway) near the Deep Creek Lake area.  Last fall SHA engineers and the Garrett County Commissioners partnered to complete the second phase of mid-block pedestrian safety enhancements near Quarry Road and Trader’s Landing.  Those traveling along US 219 will now see flashing crosswalk warning signs, providing advance notice that pedestrians are crossing at these two locations.  With the improvements now in place, SHA and Garrett County officials remind both pedestrians and drivers to remain alert when walking and driving through the area as the holiday weekend approaches. 

“Ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians remains a priority for SHA,” said SHA District Engineer Anthony Crawford.  “By remembering the rules of the road, patrons are able to enjoy the area.  SHA engineers determined that these enhancements will greatly benefit pedestrians and motorists when traveling on US 219.”

$150,000 safety enhancements include advance crosswalk flashers, new lighting and pavement markings for enhanced visibility.  Pedestrians opting to cross at either location must push the button to activate the flashing crosswalk symbol for drivers.  The US 219 flashers are located a few hundred feet prior to each crossing, which are select tourist locations in the Deep Creek Lake area.  Hundreds of pedestrians cross at these locations during the summer travel season to reach parking, shopping, recreation and eateries.

“This initiative was a high priority for the county as we work with our law enforcement partners to enforce regulations and laws regarding pedestrian safety,” stated Jay Moyer, Garrett County General Roads superintendent and the Chairman of the Garrett County Traffic Advisory Committee.  “Everyone is asked to be aware of the pedestrian crosswalks and encourage family and friends to do likewise.”

Now that summer travel season has arrived, SHA reminds pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to drive at the appropriate speed, remain alert and use MD511 to plan travel routes in advance.  SHA reminds pedestrians and drivers about the importance of pedestrian safety with a few tips:

For the Driver

 

• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections – it’s the law.
• Crosswalks exist at all intersections, even when unmarked.
• Slow down, pay attention and obey the posted speed limit.
• Always look out for pedestrians and cyclists, especially before turning at a green light or making a “right on red” or “left on solid green.”
• Stay alert and slow down, particularly in residential areas, school zones and commercial areas.  Children, particularly, have not yet developed the cognitive skills to calculate speed and distance.

For the Pedestrian

 

• Cross the street at marked crosswalks and intersections whenever possible.
• Stop and look left, right, left every time before crossing the street.
• Begin crossing the street on “Walk” signals – never on solid or flashing “Don’t Walk.”
• Use sidewalks. If there are none, walk facing traffic so you see vehicles and drivers see you.
• Make eye contact with drivers so they see you.
• Pedestrians under the influence of drugs or alcohol are at a much higher risk of injury.
• Parents - remember you are your children’s role model. If you do not obey traffic signs or take chances when you are a pedestrian, they probably will follow in your footsteps.
• Stay visible after dark with light-colored or retro-reflective clothing.

SHA awarded the contract to Rommel Engineering of Odenton.  For more information on US 219 and other State-maintained routes in Garrett County, customers may call the SHA District 6 Office at 301-729-8400 or toll-free 1-800-760-7138 or by email at shadistrict6@sha.state.md.us.

Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information. Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MD511 on the Web site. Remember to use 511 safely - Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

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