Statistically speaking, Towson University has one of the lowest crime rates in the state, and is one of the safest campuses in the USM System. Despite the low crime rate many members of the Towson Community overlook one important safety factor that could one day save their lives: Pedestrian Safety.
Along with our growing student body, TU is home to several roadways with large amounts of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. While most pedestrians and drivers alike obey the established traffic laws there are many who put their lives at risk crossing the street on a daily basis without regard to their safety or the safety of those around them.
One of the goals of the TU Police Department is to reduce the risk of a pedestrian involved accident by providing a few simple safety tips we can all use on and off campus:
For Pedestrians:
- Always walk on the sidewalk.
- Wear bright clothing. At night, wear reflective clothing.
- Cross roadways only at designated crosswalks. Obey all signs.
- Stop before entering the crosswalk. Look Both Ways. Make eye contact with approaching drivers to be sure that they see you.
- Cross only when safe to do so, after all vehicles have come to a stop. Don’t assume oncoming vehicles see you and will stop.
- Look before walking past stopped vehicles – they may block your vision of approaching traffic.
- Always walk on the right half of the crosswalk when possible.
- Once in the roadway, cross as expeditiously and safely as practical. Don’t linger in the crosswalk or median.
- Remember – Just as alcohol impairs your ability to drive, it also impairs your ability to walk and think clearly. Whenever possible, walk with a friend.
- Don’t text and walk.
For Drivers:
- Obey the speed limit. Pay special attention to areas with large amounts of pedestrian traffic.
- Look for and follow crosswalk signage and roadway markings
- Keep your windshield clean for maximum visibility.
- Always come to a complete stop at the stop line.
- Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Stop well ahead of the crosswalk so that other drivers may also see the pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Wait until the pedestrian is completely out of the crosswalk before proceeding.
If we all obey the above simple rules, we can help to reduce the likelihood of a pedestrian involved accident on our campus.
Below you’ll find some fast facts and interesting information regarding pedestrian safety and Maryland traffic laws.
Maryland Statistics and facts:
- In 2008, 112 pedestrians were killed, accounting for 20% of all fatalities in Maryland.
- In 70% of the pedestrian fatalities, the pedestrians were at fault, according to police crash reports.
- 73% of the fatal pedestrian-involved crashes occurred in the dark.
- Of the pedestrians killed, 40% were alcohol-impaired.
- Over 75% of the pedestrians killed were males.
- The fine for a driver failing to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk: $80.00 and 1 point on your driving record.
- The fine for a pedestrian unsafely crossing a roadway in front of a vehicle: $50.00.
- The fine for a pedestrian failure to walk in right half of crosswalk when possible: $50.00.
- The fine for walking along a controlled access highway: $70.00.
- The fine for failing to use a marked crosswalk: $40.00.
National Statistics and facts:
- On average, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash every 120 minutes and injured in a traffic crash every 8 minutes.
- Male pedestrians are more likely to die or be injured in a motor vehicle crash than females.
- Alcohol involvement — either for the driver or for the pedestrian — was reported in 47 percent of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities. Of the pedestrians involved, 33 percent had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.
- In 2010, 4,280 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 70,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States.
- Almost three-fourths (73%) of pedestrian fatalities occurred in an urban setting versus a rural setting.
- Eighty-eight percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred during normal weather conditions (clear/cloudy), not in rain, snow and foggy conditions.
- Nearly one-half (48%) of all pedestrian fatalities occurred on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (16%, 17%, and 15%, respectively).
For more information on pedestrian safety you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Maryland State Highways Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Towson University Police Department website or stop by the Towson University Police Department and pick up hard copies of safety information.
