Realistic Walk Smart pedestrian crash demonstration shows life-or-death necessity of slowing down

(WILMINGTON, REHOBOTH BEACH) DE – Delaware’s pedestrian safety education campaign kicked off this week with demonstrations of the effects of speed on pedestrian safetyin New Castle County and Sussex County. The “Walk Smart” campaign, a collaborative effort between the Office of Highway Safety (OHS), the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), and state and local law enforcement with other partners, is meant to educate the public about safe walking and crossing practices to improve safety on the road. The campaign comes at a significant time as May has trended as highest for pedestrian crashes in Delaware.

“Speed is one factor that is almost always the difference between life and death when it comes to pedestrian crashes,” said Jana Simpler, Director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, which is coordinating the Walk Smart campaign with DelDOT.

“Even one pedestrian crash on our roadways is too many, and we are working hard to create strategies to eliminate these crashes,” Simpler said at the kick-off events. “Although quite simple, this message is vitally important.”

To drive home this point, the events included a demonstration of vehicle stopping time and distance, featuring a wire-frame model of a child crossing the street. At 25 mph, the vehicle stops in time. At 35 mph, the car slams into the model with devastating force.

“The lesson here is clear,” said Adam Weiser, DelDOT Safety Programs Manager. “If a pedestrian is struck by a car going 25 mph or slower, the odds of survival are good. At speeds above 35 mph, the impact is likely to be fatal.”

Every eight minutes a pedestrian or cyclist is injured on our nation’s roadways. From 2012-2013, 754 reportable pedestrian crashes occurred on Delaware’s roadways; 75 percent occurred in New Castle County with most in the Wilmington area. Sussex County has also experienced an increase in pedestrian crashes. There were 20 pedestrian-related crashes along Route 1 from Lewes to Fenwick Island from 2011-2013.

“The vast majority of these crashes can be prevented if drivers reduce their speed and pedestrians use care along roadways. Educating the public about pedestrian fatalities and how to prevent them will certainly help save lives and make our roads safer,” said Lewis D. Schiliro, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

In an effort to combat these statistics, the Walk Smart campaign involves a combination of law enforcement stopping violators and educating them about safe walking and crossing practices and public awareness activities. OHS and DelDOT along with state and local police departments will conduct pedestrian safety patrols along roadways with high pedestrian crashes. The agencies will distribute pedestrian safety informational materials that highlight safe pedestrian practices along with reflective items with the “Walk Smart” message.

“Troopers will continue to emphasize and bring awareness that pedestrian crashes often result in deadly consequences,” said Sergeant Paul G. Shavack, Director of Public Information for the Delaware State Police. “The key to stopping these predictable and preventable incidents from occurring is through education and targeted enforcement for the safety of both pedestrians and motorists. Troopers will focus enforcement efforts on pedestrians who are crossing at areas other than designated crosswalks, walking along a roadway when a sidewalk is available, as well as motorists who fail to obey laws designed to ensure pedestrian safety.” 

In an effort to further enhance the Walk Smart campaign, Christiana Care and Beebe Healthcare have joined forces to provide education about the devastating effects of pedestrian crashes.

“At Christiana Care, we all too often are called upon to provide emergency care for our neighbors who are injured while they are walking,” said Glen Tinkoff, M.D., associate vice chair of surgery for emergency surgical services at Christiana Care Health System, which includes Delaware’s only level one adult trauma center, at Christiana Hospital. “We welcome this opportunity to partner with our state leaders to educate the public about pedestrian safety through Walk Smart.”

Pictures and video of the demonstration can be found on OHS YouTube and Facebook pages.  To learn more about the campaign, visit http://ohs.delaware.gov/PedestrianSafety.

YouTube: http://youtu.be/4blq-Q-fwPM

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE

Overall deaths haven’t been under 100 since 1963

Dover –  Delaware Office of Highway Safety officials are pleased to announce a 13.6% drop in fatal traffic crashes, and an even greater 14.6% drop in Delaware’s traffic deaths for 2013.  There were 95 fatal motor vehicle crashes resulting in 99 fatalities in 2013 compared to 110 fatal crashes resulting in 116 fatalities in 2012.  This is the first time traffic fatalities have been under 100 in the last 50 years on First State roadways. 1963 was the last time the state saw under 100 fatalities when there were 96 traffic fatalities.  Going back to 1929, the highest number of traffic fatalities in Delaware occurred in 1988, where 165 people were killed. The fewest number of traffic fatalities occurred in 1961 where 65 people were killed.

“While even one loss is too many, the good news is that fewer people died in traffic crashes this year than last year,” said Jana Simpler, Director of the Office of Highway Safety.  “The Office of Highway Safety, along with many of our partners is committed to moving Delaware Toward Zero Deaths on our roadways.  We will continue to identify opportunities for improvements using data driven countermeasures in education and enforcement.”

“These reductions came as a result of the incredible effort of our State, county and local law enforcement as well as health care representatives, the corporate community and traffic safety partners to include our Department of Transportation. While we are very proud of the success we enjoyed last year, it is imperative we understand that each of these lives represent a human tragedy and we must continue to strive for even better in 2014,” Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Lewis D. Schiliro said.

“Safety is the number one priority of the Delaware Department of Transportation,” said DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt.  “We start every year with a goal: to reduce the number of deaths on our roads to zero.  We are pleased progress is being made, but we aren’t satisfied.  Delaware’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan aims to curb aggressive driving, reduce impaired driving, increase pedestrian safety and increase the use of seatbelts.  DelDOT’s Division of Motor Vehicles works with OHS and others to promote safety via education, and the licensing and inspection processes.  Our construction and traffic division are always striving to reduce the number and severity of roadway-departure crashes and improve the design and operation of highway intersections and other roadway features.”

The area where OHS officials saw the greatest improvement was in seat belt use.  The state seat belt rate increased to an all-time high of 92% which also reflects one of the highest percentages in the country.  The increased seat belt rate though is not reflected in the number of unbelted traffic crash fatalities.  There were 52 vehicle occupant fatalities (drivers and passengers) in 2013 and of those killed, 48% were not wearing seat belts, the same percentage for 2012.   This illustrates that the riskiest drivers are simply not buckling up.

Preliminary reports also show that 36% of the 99 (or 36%) traffic deaths in 2013 were alcohol-related.  This percentage drastically decreased from 2012 when 60 (or 52%) of the 116 motorist fatalities were alcohol-related.  OHS will continue with high visibility enforcement and awareness efforts in 2014 under its impaired driving prevention campaigns including NFL playoffs and Super Bowl, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Checkpoint Strikeforce and Safe Family Holiday. Officers arrested a total of 4,249 individuals in 2013 for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs statewide compared to 4,198 in 2012.

Pedestrian fatalities continue to be a particularly troubling area for Delaware.  OHS implemented a pilot educational enforcement campaign in New Castle County for 2013 to address pedestrians crossing roadways in unsafe locations. Even though there was a slight decrease with 2013 ending with 26 pedestrian fatalities compared to 30 in 2012, OHS is committed to reducing pedestrian deaths in 2014 with more education and enforcement efforts statewide.  The highest contributing factors in pedestrian fatalities include pedestrians under the influence, dart or dashing in front of cars, and pedestrians not being visible to motorists.   “We are working very hard to determine any trends to these fatal crashes,” said Simpler.  “We will continue to work with our partners to create innovative countermeasures for 2014 in hopes of reducing the number of pedestrians killed.”

Another area of concern is motorcycle safety with 2013 ending with 20 motorcycle fatalities compared to 17 in 2012 with speed on the part of the motorcyclists being the predominate contributing factor to these crashes. However helmet use continues to be high with 65% wearing helmets in 2012 and 2013.

Progress has been made in bicycle safety with Delaware experiencing 1 bicycle fatality in 2013 compared to 4 in 2012.

OHS continues to look at aggressive driving behavior issues with a focus on speeding in 2014.  Delaware saw 31% of the State’s 95 fatal crashes attributed to aggressive driving behaviors and 37% involving speeding as a factor.  Nationally speeding contributes to roughly 30% of all fatal crashes.   According to a new National Survey of Speeding Attitudes and Behavior released by NHTSA in December, more than half of motorists agree speeding is a problem on our nation’s roads.  But when it comes to refraining from the behavior, one in five drivers admit, “I try to get where I am going as fast as I can.”

Other top aggressive driving behaviors that contribute to fatal crashes in Delaware include failure to grant right of way, improper lane change, and running stop signs.  Continued implementation of strategies to combat aggressive driving with a focus on speed will be more critical than ever in 2014 to reduce fatalities on our roadways.

As 2014 begins, OHS will continue to work with partners and key stakeholders to formulate plans of action to reduce overall deaths on Delaware roadways with a long term goal of zero deaths.  As always, the public can get more information on Office of Highway Safety programs as well as updated traffic fatality statistics on our website located at www.ohs.delaware.gov or by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe or Facebook www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE. The complete report and information on the national speeding survey findings can be found here http://bit.ly/1eH4xz2.

Delaware Fatal Crash Facts

• 95 fatal motor vehicle crashes resulting in 99 fatalities in 2013
• 110 fatal crashes resulting in 116 fatalities in 2012.
• 1963 was the last time the State saw under 100 fatalities when there were 96 traffic fatalities.
• Going back to 1929, the highest number of traffic fatalities in Delaware occurred in 1988, where 165 people were killed.
• The fewest number of traffic fatalities occurred in 1961 where 65 people were killed.

It only takes a few minutes on the highway to know that people drive in all different ways.  Some drive fast.  Some drive slow.  Some choose to follow the rules of the road, while others do not.  Today, OHS is asking …what do you think about the way that you drive?

Get the Facts

Driving is serious business, but for most of us, it has been many years since we sat behind the wheel for the first time. Do you remember the things that you learned in Driver’s Ed class?  Though laws change, the basics of safe driving behavior are the same now as they were then.

• Buckle Up.  It’s the first thing you should do when you get in the car each and every time.  Day and Night.
• Drive Sober.   Never get behind the wheel when you are impaired by drugs or alcohol.  Period.
• Share the Road.  Be aware of what is going on around you.  Look and listen for motorcycles.  And remember to always look twice when changing lanes and pulling out from a stop.
• Don’t be That Guy.   Don’t turn into the aggressive person who speeds, runs red lights, and weaves through traffic.  Practice patience behind the wheel.  And always obey the posted speed limit and traffic signs.
• Watch for Pedestrians.  Everywhere you go, keep your eyes open for people walking near the roadway. Never assume that they will wait for you to pass.  Always be ready to stop.

OHS wants to know your views on traffic safety throughout the state by taking this short, anonymous survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OHS2013Survey

As our way of saying “thank you”, you may submit your name and contact information at the end of the survey for a chance to win 2 tickets to one of the 3 races in September at the Monster Mile, OHS Drive Sober team racing apparel (hats, shirts, lanyards, etc.), or tickets to Firefly 2014!

Drive Safe.  Arrive Alive DE.

This message is being sent to you by the Office of Highway Safety, who asks you to drive safely at all times.  For more information on this and other traffic safety programs, go to www.ohs.delaware.gov.  

13 Pedestrian Deaths So Far This Year

Dover – It’s proving to be a very dangerous year for those trying to walk near Delaware roadways, say state Office of Highway Safety officials (OHS).  Since January 1^st of this year 13 pedestrians have died in traffic related crashes in Delaware. That number is higher than at this time last year.  This is particularly alarming because it is only mid-year, with the fall season yet to come – a time of year when travel and traffic increases, day light hours get shorter and sun glare becomes an issue, bringing an increased risk for more pedestrian and motor vehicle crashes.

That’s why OHS has teamed up with DelDOT and DSP to step up the Don’t Join The Walking Dead pedestrian campaign effort, and will be holding pedestrian safety checks in jurisdictions with an increased number of pedestrian crashes.  The first pedestrian safety check will be Friday July 26^th at the Starboard in Dewey Beach, followed by one on Second Street in Lewes on Saturday August 3^rd, and others in Rodney Square in Wilmington on August 8^th and September 6^th.  Many traffic safety partners will be on hand to provide safe walking tips and information, including Beebe Hospital, Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, Sussex County Paramedics, Lewes PD, Wilmington PD, & Dewey PD.

OHS started a pilot program for educational pedestrian safety patrols in the jurisdictional areas of DSP Troops 2 & 6, Wilmington PD, New Castle County PD, and Newark PD.  These 2-officer patrols occurred over Memorial Day weekend and June 20-22, with additional weekends scheduled in August, September, and October.  The officers patrol high pedestrian crash locations to identify pedestrians who are at risk of being involved in a crash, such as those not crossing at marked crosswalks or signaled intersections, walking at dusk/night without a reflective item or flashlight, or walking impaired.  The officers stop the pedestrian to provide education about how to walk safely near traffic, as well as provide them an informational flyer and a reflective string backpack.

Ultimately, highway safety officials and their partners agree that solving the problem will require active participation and buy-in from the motoring public and pedestrians alike.  By following these basic safety tips and pedestrian laws, everyone can learn to Walk Smart.  Don’t Join the Walking Dead.

• Cross only at crosswalks or intersections with signals or traffic signs. Look left, right, and left again.  Only start to cross when it’s clear.
• Do not risk crossing outside of a crosswalk or intersection just because it’s more convenient, especially on high speed roadways. Cars cannot stop in time for you.
• Use sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far off the edge of the road as possible.
• Do not step into a crosswalk if it will create a hazard to motorists. When it is clear to cross, continue to watch for traffic while crossing the street until you have safely reached the other side.
• Carry a flashlight or other reflective item when walking at night. It’s the law.
• Do not hitchhike.
• Teach children not to run into the street after balls or other toys, and don’t allow them to cross alone until you’ve practiced the basics with them hundreds of times.
• Do not walk under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Impaired walking is like impaired driving; it is illegal and can be deadly.
• If your vehicle breaks down on an interstate or busy roadway, don’t leave your vehicle.  Instead call #77 or 911 for assistance.  Motorists can also call #77 to report a disabled vehicle they see on the roadways.
• If you are driving, be on the lookout for pedestrians near the roadway.

For more information on the Pedestrian Safety campaign and to find materials about pedestrian safety tips and laws, please visit ohs.delaware.gov/PedestrianSafety, follow us on Twitter at @DEHighwaySafe, and like us on Facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE.

Don’t Join The Walking Dead. That is the new message OHS along with their traffic safety partners are conveying to pedestrians across Delaware.

What you need to know

Walking safely is really just about using your brain. When people walk around mindlessly, they get hurt or killed.  Out of all the
deaths that occur on Delaware roadways, 1 in 4 is a pedestrian death.  And for every pedestrian killed, 12 more are
injured.  Did you know….

• There were 30 pedestrians killed on Delaware roadways in 2012.
• The typical pedestrian victim in 2012 was a male over the age of 25.
• 80% of the pedestrian injuries and fatalities occurred in New Castle County, and
  the majority of those were in the Wilmington area.
• Alcohol use is the top contributing factor in our state’s pedestrian deaths.

What you can do

Here are some things you can do to avoid joining the walking dead:

• Do not walk under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Cross only at crosswalks or intersections with signals or traffic signs.
• Do not step into a crosswalk if it will create a hazard to motorists, even though you have the right of way.
• Use sidewalks.  If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far off the edge of the road as possible.
• Carry a flashlight or other reflective item when walking at night.
• Do not hitchhike.

To learn more about pedestrian safety, visit www.ohs.delaware.gov/pedestriansafety.

WalkSmart.  Arrive Alive DE.

This message is being sent to you from the Office of Highway Safety, who asks you to drive safely at all times.  For more
information on this and other traffic safety programs, go to www.ohs.delaware.gov.