Walkability and bikeability are key factors when it comes to choosing where to live. That's why a new safety awareness campaign aimed at reducing fatalities among pedestrians matters not only for individuals but also for the greater Tampa Bay region's local economy.
The four-week campaign, which kicked off in Hillsborough County and
Miami-Dade County, is part of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)'s ongoing initiative to reduce bicycle and pedestrian injuries and fatalities. “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow ... Safety Doesn't Happen By Accident” will be presented to the public through media outlets, local education and enforcement activities.
“We recognize the importance of educating drivers and pedestrians with respect to the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians and safe walking practices,” says
FDOT Public Information Officer Kris Carson.
According to Carson, the FDOT is always working to improve the roadways for pedestrians by providing adequate pedestrian signal timings, improved signage and lighting for enhanced visibility, raised medians and refuge islands.
In the Tampa Bay region, the FDOT has spent more than $2 million high-intensity pavement markings, more and better sidewalks, additional countdown pedestrian signals, and new sidewalk and boardwalk along Dale Mabry Highway.
Pedestrian deaths in Florida are almost double the national average; if the
Tampa Bay region were a state, it would rank number 16 in the nation for pedestrian fatalities.
Carson says 22.7 percent of all traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries involve pedestrians and bicyclists with 48 percent of pedestrians being killed when crossing the road at non-intersections; 43 percent of pedestrian traffic fatalities occur at night, on illuminated streets, and alcohol is a factor in just more than 40 percent of all pedestrian fatalities.
Writer:
Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Kris Carson,
FDOT
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