It’s easy to get distracted while walking or driving. Distractions lead to accidents and, sometimes, fatalities.
When it comes to pedestrian safety, we all need to take care of ourselves and watch out for each other. Every year in the Tucson metro region, including Marana, an average of 250 pedestrians are injured in crashes on streets. Out of those, about 20 never see their families again.
Pima Association of Governments’ “Walk Safe. Drive Safe” pedestrian safety campaign is helping to bring awareness to the issue. PAG, the region’s metropolitan planning organization, has created a pedestrian safety-focused website that includes a video message, radio spot and safety tips.
Pedestrian safety is an important message and one that affects all of us. Whether you are a driver, bicyclist or pedestrian, the responsibility falls to everyone to be aware of others on the road.
Pima Association of Governments’ crash analysis data indicates that every 36 hours, a pedestrian in our region is struck by a motor vehicle. Of those hit, 25 percent are ages 15 to 24. Another statistic is that 75 percent of pedestrian fatalities are male. In fatal pedestrian crashes, alcohol is a contributing factor 40 percent of the time, while 75 percent of pedestrian fatalities happen at night or in dark conditions.
Each of us can do our part to encourage the Walk Safe. Drive Safe. pedestrian safety message through example or by spreading the word to family and friends.
Sign the pedestrian safety pledge to make a difference in our community and have a chance to win reflective safety gear by visiting WalkSafeDriveSafe.com.
Talk to your children about pedestrian safety. Use the website and pedestrian safety pledge as an educational tool to ensure their safety and avoid accidents.
