Montgomery Co. Aims to Reduce Pedestrian-Vehicle Accidents

ROCKVILLE, Md. - Montgomery County Executive Isiah "Ike" Leggett on Wednesday plans to unveil a major safety initiative aimed at reducing the alarming number of people struck by vehicles.

The plan will take a comprehensive look at intersections that are hot spots for accidents. It will look at improving the relationship between drivers and pedestrians. And, the plan will outline specific performance goals, timelines and budgets to reduce pedestrian-related crashes.

So far this year there have been 16 pedestrian fatalities. On average, there are 430 collisions between vehicles and people a year in Montgomery County.

What is causing the high number of pedestrians-related accidents? Police have been taking a look at the problem.

In analyzing the collisions, Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger says one thing is clear: Drivers and pedestrians need to change their behaviors.

"So many of these collisions are either from pedestrians not paying attention to traffic, or drivers not paying attention to pedestrians," Manger says.

Pedestrians should be more predictable.

"We've got to get them to be more aware of traffic patterns and when to cross, where to cross," Manger says.

Drivers should slow down and drive with an eye to what can go wrong.

"They have to assume, maybe this person is going to make a mistake and walk out in front of them," Manger says.

Manger says part of the key is getting both drivers and pedestrians focused on getting to their destinations safely.

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