Regional Leaders Launch "Street Smart" Pedestrian Safety Campaign

Baltimore, MD (September 16, 2009) The Baltimore region averages 1,700 crashes involving pedestrians each year. In 2008, 44 pedestrians were killed. There were also 500 crashes involving bicycles, with 4 fatalities.

"Road safety is a concern that has no boundaries," said Baltimore Mayor Dixon, Vice Chair of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council. "It is important that we are united in our efforts to protect the lives of our residents on the streets and in the crosswalks."

In an effort to educate pedestrians, cyclists and drivers - and save lives - the Maryland State Highway Administration's Safety Office is partnering with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council to introduce the Street Smart traffic safety campaign in the Baltimore region. Street Smart is an element of SHA's "Choose Safety for Life" umbrella campaign and has been used successfully in the Washington, DC, area since 2002.
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Education is only one component of Street Smart, though. Local police are also stepping up enforcement of safety laws in Baltimore City and throughout the region. Fines for jaywalking, speeding and failure to stop for a pedestrian can range anywhere from $80 to $500.
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