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"The magnitude of these issues, pedestrian safety in particular and traffic safety overall, requires a comprehensive and collaborative problem solving approach," said Montgomery County Police Chief Charles A. Moose, Ph.D. "We know that people continue to be seriously injured and killed in traffic incidents that clearly could be avoided. We all need to do our part - slow down, use our seatbelts, watch for pedestrians, cross streets cautiously, stop at red lights, always drive sober, and get our child safety seats inspected - to reduce these tragedies."

The pedestrian safety effort started in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Friendship Heights last summer, and is spreading to Silver Spring this year. Both are focusing on the three "E's" of pedestrian safety -- education, engineering improvements, and stepped up enforcement measures. Comprehensive campaigns that include all three prevention strategies have proven to be the most effective. Educational efforts will promote safety tips for motorists and pedestrians to encourage everyone to "Drive Smart" and "Walk Smart." The coalitions will distribute more than 100,000 bookmarks in English and Spanish to bookstores, restaurants, other retailers, employers, libraries, parking garages, County liquor stores, high-rise residential buildings, Metro stations, and numerous other public places. Posters will be displayed by businesses located in downtown Bethesda and Silver Spring. Banners will hang across major thoroughfares. Some local newspapers will donate free public service advertising space. The County will run public srvice announcements for cable television and local radio stations. The educational message and artwork were developed as a donation by Equals Three Communications of Bethesda.

Safety tips for pedestrians include advice to always use crosswalks and obey traffic signs and signals; make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you; wear light colored or reflective clothing at night; and look over your shoulder for turning vehicles before crossing. Drivers are advised to always stop or yield for pedestrians; obey traffic signals and never run red lights; observe posted speed limits; and be courteous.

Road engineering improvements announced by Duncan today to enhance pedestrian safety include 600 new brighter and more visible yellow school crossing signs to be installed near schools around the County. An innovative modification of the crosswalks at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and East-West Highway will make it easier for pedestrians to connect to Bethesda Metro Center. Also, a new traffic signal will be installed this year at the heavily traveled intersection of Woodmont and Montgomery Avenues. In Silver Spring, intersection improvements are planned along Fenton Street.

County police officers in the Bethesda District will conduct "InterBreak", a program of stepped up enforcement activities to reduce driver violations at intersections most heavily used by pedestrians. Every week, motorcycle officers will receive a list of intersections to monitor for 15 to 30 minute intervals during the day. Officers will aggressively enforce traffic laws at those intersections to raise awareness. When they have the opportunity, the officers will also distribute the campaign educational materials that promote safe driving and walking tips.

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