Street Smart Campaign
"Street Smart" in the Baltimore region will be modeled on a campaign implemented by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists are urged to look out for one another and obey the rules of the road, such as "Stop/Yield for Pedestrians", "Wait for Walk", "Cross after the Bus leaves the Stop", and "Obey Signs and Signals".
The Washington region’s "Street Smart" campaign has been measured since 2002 and has recently achieved significant increase in brand recognition. Typically 8 to 12 years are needed to change behavior patterns and Street Smart is well on its way. Studies have shown that the presence of law enforcement greatly enhances the message and the media impressions reach millions. For an additional overview of the measured results from the existing MWCOG campaign, please visit http://www.mwcog.org/streetsmart/default.asp.
Pedestrian, Bicycle Fatalities Highlight Need for Increased AwarenessBaltimore launch of the Street Smart Campaign, September 16, 2009
View photos from the event.
The Dangers of Pedestrian Safety in the Baltimore Region
Statewide in 2008 there were a total of 592 lives lost and 48,143 persons injured in 539 fatal crashes and 32,769 injury crashes (totaling 33,308 crashes). Another 62,041 crashes were property damage only (PDO) for a total of 95,349 reported crashes with the possibility of even more injuries unknown or unreported.
Statewide 115 lives lost were pedestrians and 2,469 pedestrians were injured, in a total of 2,822 crashes. Statewide 7 bicyclist lives were lost and another 633 injured in a total of 799 bicyclist involved crashes.
In our Baltimore region we represent 39% of the total fatalities and more than half the crashes and injuries across the state.
Street Smart is aimed to target local law enforcement to locations where enforcement can raise the awareness of the rights and responsibilities of drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to look out for one another on the roadway. Drivers should stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Pedestrians should use crosswalks, obey signals, and cross at intersections. Learning to be Street Smart reminds us of the importance to use crosswalks, obey signals, and Share the Road before it's too late.
In 2008 in the Baltimore region:
- 231 lives were lost
- 23,574 people were injured
- 50,096 crashes were reported
- 44 pedestrians lost their lives
- 4 bicyclists died
For more information:
Stephanie Yanovitz, syanovitz@baltometro.org or 410-732-0500 x1055.
Links within this web site:
Drive Safe Baltimore
Safety Tips brochure (pdf)
Street Smart Campaign Resources
Links to other web sites:
Street Smart (Washington, DC)
Last Updated: 10/01/2009