Drive safely always, not just on the first day of school
Updated 7:59 am, Monday, August 26, 2013
It's the first day of school, and it's raining, so driving is going to be even more hectic than usual.
That's why Texas Department of Transportation recently kicked off the “Drive Friendly. Drive Safe” campaign, just before school started, so Texas drivers could remember that driving safe means driving friendly.
“School is starting, there's going to be more people out there (on the road) and as motorists we need to be aware of that,” Traffic Safety Specialist Mona Lisa Zertuche said.
The stats tell the story. From 2011 to 2012, vehicles hit more than 5,000 pedestrians, resulting in 2,962 serious injuries and 481 fatalities on Texas roadways. More than 2,000 bicyclists also were hit, resulting in 1,450 serious injuries and 56 fatalities, during the same period.
But the worse news is that each crash, injury and fatality was preventable.
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And motorists are not the only party of concern. Zertuche wants everyone to take caution.
“Pedestrians and bicyclists need to be aware and be safe too,” she said.
Pedestrians and bicyclists should wear some type of reflective wear when out in the dark. Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times especially when crossing the street, and bicyclists should stay in bicycle lanes when possible. When crossing the street always wait for walk signs to appear.
Pay attention - put your phone down.
Obey posted speed limits.
Be on the lookout for bicyclists on the highway and at intersections.
When passing a bicyclist, move to another lane if possible and offer plenty of room.
Watch for bicyclists who may need to maneuver around potholes and debris.
Be on the lookout for — and yield to — pedestrians, especially when approaching crosswalks, intersections and buses.
Watch for children who may dart across the street to catch a school bus.
Regardless of which direction you're traveling, always stop for school buses with flashing red lights.