| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Barbara Herron 410-732-9564 Pedestrian, bicycle safety campaign rolls into Howard County
'Drive like their lives depend on it' BALTIMORE, MD (June 21, 2011) -- Pedestrians and bicyclists in Howard County will be getting a few reminders about staying smart and safe on county roads, thanks to a grant-funded public safety education campaign. The campaign was launched today at a news conference in Columbia featuring County Executive Ken Ulman, HCPD Chief William McMahon and representatives from the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and Bicycle Advocates of Howard County. The Baltimore region averages 1,700 pedestrian and 500 bicycle crashes each year, resulting in an average of 52 fatalities. The goal of Street Smart is to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities by educating drivers, pedestrians and cyclists about safe practices on our roadways and make them aware of increased law enforcement efforts. As Howard County continues to be a more walkable, bicycling friendly community, we all play a role in keeping our roadways safe," said County Executive Ken Ulman. "The Street Smart campaign encourages motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike to be courteous to others and respectful of basic traffic laws." Through data analysis, MDOT identified roads in Howard County that have higher instances of collisions impacting pedestrians and bicyclists. As a result, police will be focusing enforcement efforts along Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia, U.S. 40 in Ellicott City and U.S. 1 in Elkridge and Laurel. Pedestrians can and will be cited for failure to use a cross walk, and drivers will be cited for not stopping for a pedestrian in a crosswalk or not allowing three feet of distance when following a bicyclist. Cyclists will also be cited for failure to obey signals and other infractions. "Traffic safety is public safety," Police Chief William McMahon said. "No one should have to lose his or her life crossing the street. Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists must be cautious and follow the law to keep our roads safe for everyone." A video PSA featuring County Executive Ken Ulman and Police Chief William McMahon will run for two weeks on Comcast stations in Howard County. Along U.S. 1 in Howard County, drivers will see campaign billboards. Messages will also appear on public transportation buses, in print, on radio and online. The message is the same: Lives are on the line when it comes to pedestrian and bicycle safety. The campaign also will feature street teams who will pound pavement in high-risk areas to provide bicyclists, pedestrians and residents with safety pamphlets. The Street Smart campaign in the Baltimore region is coordinated by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council with support from the State Highway Administration's Highway Safety Office. For more information on Street Smart, visit http://www.DriveSafeBaltimore.com. | 
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