The “tired faces” visuals call attention to the dangers challenging pedestrians and bicyclists with the larger-than-life faces of area residents on ads on buses and in transit shelters. Officials want drivers to actively watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially when turning.
They also are reminding bicyclists to ride with traffic and stop at red lights and urging pedestrians to use crosswalks and wait for the walk signal before crossing the street.
In 2012, preliminary data indicates there were 3,033 crashes in the Washington metropolitan region involving pedestrians and bicyclists that resulted in 70 fatalities.
During the Street Smart campaign, which runs through May 13, law enforcement officers in Maryland, the District of Columbia and northern Virginia will step up ticketing of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists who violate traffic safety laws. Drivers and cyclists who fail to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, as well as pedestrians who jaywalk, can face fines. Drivers also are subject to getting points on their driving records.
Information on the new campaign and the Street Smart public education program is available on MWCOG’s website.
