(October 30, 2017) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) today activated a full traffic signal with pedestrian countdown/accessible indicators at the MD 214 (Central Avenue)/Addison Road Metrorail Station in Prince George’s County. MDOT SHA deployed safety ambassadors this morning and afternoon to educate pedestrians about the new signal and encourage pedestrians to press the “walk” button. Electronic message signs are in place to alert drivers that the new signal is active.
The intersection at MD 214 and the Addison Road Metrorail Station has an average traffic volume of nearly 53,000 vehicles daily and more than 1,500 pedestrians safely cross at this location each day.
The three “E’s” of traffic safety – engineering, education and enforcement – are essential in the pedestrian safety equation. Every year, more than 100 pedestrians are killed in Maryland in vehicular crashes, and nearly 2,500 more are injured. Since October was the second deadliest month for pedestrian crashes in 2016, MDOT SHA expanded the Look Up, Look Out pedestrian safety campaign this fall.
The campaign combines public service announcements, billboards and grassroots outreach to schools and businesses to increase awareness about pedestrian safety throughout the region. Focusing attention on the rules of the road, the Look Up, Look Out effort urges drivers and pedestrians alike to literally put eyes on the road and watch out for each other, even more critical this time of year with the time change upcoming.
ADVICE FOR MOTORISTS:
• Stay alert for the new traffic signal and expect to stop.
• Stop for pedestrians - Maryland law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and intersections.
• Stay alert - park the mobile phone.
• Obey the speed limit. Speeding only makes it more difficult to stop unexpectedly.
FOR PEDESTRIANS:
• Before crossing, press the “Walk” button and wait for the “Walk” symbol.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street, and make eye contact with drivers.
• Be sure to see and be seen. Avoid dark clothing, wear bright colors and use reflective devices such as vests and blinking lights.
• Stay alert, avoid distractions, and be on the lookout for cars traveling above the speed limit.
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