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	[Facts] [Pedestrian Safety] [Bicycle Safety] [Helmet Safety] [School Safety] [Related Sites] Did You Know... Every year over 6,000 pedestrians are killed and at least 90,000 injured in accidents with automobile traffic. A pedestrian or bicyclist is killed every 3½ minutes. Pedestrian injuries and fatalities result in $20 billion in societal costs. Pedestrian fatalities consist of 58% working adults, 23% of elderly persons (aged 65 or older), and 19% children aged 19 and younger. A driver traveling at 60 MPH needs over 260 feet to stop. Studies have shown that pedestrians walking along a road in dark clothing at night are first seen approximately 55 feet away giving the driver less than one-second reaction time.
	Pedestrian Safety Road show.
	The Pedestrian Safety Road Show is just one of many tools and resources that have been developed by the Department of Transportation (US DOT) to help communities identify and address their pedestrian safety problems. These resources include: Walk! -- A 12-minute motivational video that encourages private citizens as well as community leaders to get involved in the pedestrian safety problem. Pedestrian Safety Road Map & Resource Catalog -- An annotated listing of the technical resources that is available from DOT to support a community at each step along the way. Pedestrian Safety Tool Kit -- A detailed manual on how to implement a community pedestrian program and copies of selected materials to support each step along the road to building a more walk able community. These materials will be provided to your community as part of the Pedestrian Safety Road Show package. You can also order them separately by writing to the U.S. DOT at this address.
	Bicycle Safety Facts:
	Ride predictably, just as you would if you were operating a motor vehicle. Do not weave; ride in a straight path down the roadway. Blending in with the normal traffic flow is the safest way to ride. Always ride on the right side of the roadway, with the flow of traffic and not on the sidewalk. Obey all traffic signs, signals, and other traffic control devices. Always yield to overtaking traffic, signaling before turning or changing lanes. Make certain that you have the cooperation of drivers behind you before changing lanes. Ride single file unless the law and traffic conditions allow you to ride two abreast. Yield to other vehicles and pedestrians when traffic law requires that you do so. Be highly visible. Wear light, bright-colored clothing in daylight. At dusk and when it's dark, be sure to use a bright white headlight and a red rear reflector as well as a flashing or solid rear red light. Always look behind you before turning or changing lanes. It is your job to see that the way is clear before turning or changing lanes. Bicycle mirrors are a handy and convenient safety accessory, which may be found at most bicycle shops. Maintain your bicycle regularly so it is safe and dependable. Carry all cargo on a rack, in bike bags or in panniers. A backpack may also be used for light loads, but make sure the straps are pulled tight so the bag doesn't flop around while riding. Choose your route carefully. If possible, choose wider roads with less traffic and slower speeds. Give your full attention to traffic and the road surface. Beware of such road hazards as rocks, potholes, gravel, sewer grates and dogs. Two of the most common dangers to bicyclists are: (1) oncoming car turning left in your path and (2) car turns right in your path immediately after passing you. Be aware of these dangers and be prepared for them.
	Helmet Safety Facts:
	Wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 85 percent. Head injuries are the primary cause in about 80 percent of bicycling fatalities. The lifetime cost for one person with a severe head injury is $4.5 million. In most communities, fewer than 5 percent of children wear bicycle helmets. The majority of bicycle crashes occur in parks, bicycle paths or driveways not on roads. Take the Helmet Survey
	Choosing the Safest Route for Children Walking Places:
	Children should take the safest, most direct route, shorter is not always safer. Select the route that involves the minimum number of streets to cross. Consider the street width, length of time it takes to cross the street, traffic volume, traffic speed, and whether there are sufficient gaps in the traffic for crossing. When walking to school, try to restrict street crossing to those intersections guarded by a police officer, adult crossing guard, or a marked crosswalk. Avoid confusing intersections. Select those routes where as many youngsters as possible will merge at one place when crossing a hazardous street. Look for intersections that have a signal with a separate pedestrian signal; or Walk/Don't Run indicator. Your child should be familiar with the right turn on red rule, as well as, turns indicated by colored arrows.
	Other Sites Related to Pedestrians & Bicyclists:
	AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety Pedestrian Fatalities on Interstate Highways American Academy of Pediatrics Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute Frederick Pedalers How Not To Get Hit By Cars League of American Bicyclists National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse National Coalition for School Bus Safety National Safe Kids Partnership for Walk able America Safe Ride News School Transportation News Washington Area Bicyclist Assn How Walk able is Your Community? - Use the Walk able America Checklist [Facts] [Pedestrian Safety] [Bicycle Safety] [Helmet Safety] [School Safety] [Related Sites] Frederick County Highway Safety Task Force.