CENTRAL OFFICE SAFETY MEETING Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety and Work Zone Safety Awareness Marianne Trussell Chief Safety Officer April 21,2010
Did You Know? In 2008 ▫1,315 drivers ▫546 passengers ▫532 motorcyclists (and passengers) ▫502 pedestrians ▫118 bicyclists ▫193 teens Were killed on Florida roadways?
In 2008 ▫122,080 drivers ▫56,800 passengers ▫8,519 motorcyclists ▫7,878 pedestrians ▫4,380 bicyclists ▫20,347 teens Were injured on Florida’s roadways?
These Numbers are Unacceptable 2,983 killed in traffic crashes in one year – ,391 killed in 7 years in the Iraq war 2,966 killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks
FOCUSING ON PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS
PEDESTRIANS
Test Question #1 What age group has the highest number *of pedestrian fatalities? A B C D * All answers based upon 2008 data (2009 data not final).
Test Question #2 What was the behavior engaged in by the majority of pedestrians killed? A.Walking along road with traffic B.Crossing not at an intersection C.Standing or playing in road D.Other
Test Question #3 What time of day are the majority of pedestrians killed? A.Daylight B.Dusk C.Dark D.Dawn
Test Question #4 What was the weather like when the majority of pedestrians were killed? A.Cloudy B.Clear C.Rainy D.Foggy
Test Question #5 Of pedestrian fatalities A.Approximately 70 % were male B.Approximately 90% were male C.The majority were male D.The majority were female
Safe Walking Tips ▫Watch for vehicles and bicyclists ▫Don’t use headphones, iPods, or cell phones (take your cell phone for emergencies) ▫Cross only at crosswalks walks when available ▫Be extra vigilant for turning vehicles ▫If walking for health reasons, find a partner ▫Know where you are and where you are going ▫Wear appropriate shoes and clothing ▫See and be seen (wear reflective clothing at dusk/night) ▫Walk facing traffic when paths and sidewalks are unavailable
BICYCLISTS
Test Question # 6 What age group has the highest number of bicyclist fatalities? A B C D.25-34
Test Question # 7 In which county were the most bicyclists killed? A.Miami-Dade B.Broward C.Pinellas D.Leon
Test Question # 8 What time of day are the majority of bicyclists killed? A.Dusk B.Dark C.Dawn D.Daylight
Test Question # 9 What was the weather like when the majority of bicyclists were killed? A.Cloudy B.Rainy C.Clear D.Foggy
Test Question # 10 Of bicyclists killed A.The majority were female B.The majority were male C.66% were male D.86% were male
Safe Riding Tips ▫Wear a properly fitted helmet (they aren’t just for kids) ▫Adjust your bicycle to fit ▫Check your equipment ▫See and be seen ▫Control your bicycle ▫Watch for and avoid road hazards ▫Avoid riding at night if possible ▫Lights and reflectors are required between sunset and sunrise
Obey the Rules of the Road ▫Ride WITH the flow of traffic (not against it) ▫Obey all traffic laws ▫Yield to traffic and pedestrians when appropriate ▫Be predictable ▫Stay alert at all times ▫Look before turning (use hand signals) ▫Watch for parked cars and cars exiting driveways ▫Never ride more than two abreast (it’s dangerous and against the law in Florida) ▫Children under 10 should use sidewalks; adults should use roadways. Some localities prohibit bicycles on sidewalks
Motorists and Bicyclists ▫Bicycles are vehicles under Florida law and have equal rights and responsibilities to use the roadway (not limited access facilities) ( Sec , F.S.) ▫Florida law requires motorists to allow a minimum of 3 feet when overtaking a bicyclist or other non- motorized vehicle ( Sec , F.S. ) ▫Most laws relating to bicyclists can be found in Section , F.S.
WHO CAN HELP REDUCE THESE NUMBERS AND SAVE LIVES?
YOU CAN – EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Change your own bad habits and driving behaviors Set a good example Work on making positive changes in the ones you love Be an ambassador for safety Spread the safety word Safety is Everybody’s Business
ANSWERS Q1: Age of most pedestrian fatalities: C (45-54) Q2: Behavior of pedestrians killed: B (cross not at intersection) Q3: Time of day pedestrians killed: C (dark 73%) Q4: Weather when pedestrians killed: B (clear) Q5: Pedestrians killed: A (approx. 70% male) Q6: Age of most bicyclist fatalities: A(45-54) Q7: County with most bicyclists killed: B (Broward) Q8: Time of day bicyclists killed: B (dark 54%) Q9: Weather when bicyclists killed: C (clear) Q10: Bicyclists killed: D (86% male)
The Many Faces of Construction
The Many Faces of Work Zone Fatalities
A Single Life Lost is One Too Many Who is dying in work zones? 93 People in 2008 ▫60 Drivers ▫17 Passengers ▫16 Pedestrians (includes workers)
What about work zone injuries? 6,802 in 2008 ▫4,655 Drivers ▫1,997 Passengers ▫150 Pedestrians (includes workers)
Driving in work zone tips Be alert – expect the unexpected Minimize distractions (no cell phones, eating, drinking, reading, shaving, primping ) Don’t speed Don’t tailgate Don’t change lanes Keep an eye out for workers and equipment
DO YOU KNOW WHERE TOFIND DOT SAFETY STANDARDS? DOT LOSS PREVENTION MANUAL Topic No: / _toc.pd DOT LOSS PREVENTION MANUAL Topic No: / _toc.pd
QUESTIONS? Marianne Trussell, Chief Safety Officer Mark Eacker, Industrial Safety Program Admin Marianne Trussell, Chief Safety Officer Mark Eacker, Industrial Safety Program Admin