October 4th is National Walk & Roll to School Day, a time to raise awareness for pedestrian and biker safety.
In Maryland, in 2019 92% of pedestrian-involved crashes resulted in injury or death. Approximately 1 out of 4 Marylanders killed in a traffic crash was a pedestrian on foot. Pedestrian safety is so important, especially with school back in session. Maryland TraumaNet is a networks of trauma centers in Maryland working together to provide advocacy and better outcomes for trauma care. They have some tips on walking, biking, and driving safely:
Walkers:
- Look left, right, left before crossing
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
- Cross at crosswalks or corners
Bikers:
- Wear a properly fitting helmet while on the road
- Ride with the flow of traffic
- Follow safety signs
Drivers:
- Obey traffic signals
- Be aware and minimize distractions
- Look for people at crosswalks and on corners
Learn more here.