Preventing pedestrian crashes is easy if we all use common sense. The Office of Highway Safety is helping to educate the public about safe walking practices through its Walk Smart campaign. It involves a combination of enforcement and public awareness activities. However, OHS officials say the public awareness component is what will truly drive the success of this effort.

Billboards asking motorists to “Give Pedestrians a Brake” are being placed in New Castle and Sussex Counties along high crash corridors such as Routes 40, 13, 113 and 1. Signage can be seen on city and county DART busses ask pedestrians to make sure they are visible to motorists. In addition, OHS will be distributing posters, brochures, and table tents in English and Spanish to businesses, as well as reflective blinking lights to those who walk and jog in low light conditions to the public.

The following police agencies who have identified high pedestrian crash areas within their jurisdiction will be conducting additional enforcement of pedestrian traffic safety laws: Delaware State Police, Dover Police, Milford Police, Newark Police and Wilmington Police. Enforcement will continue through September and both pedestrians and motorists may be cited for violating state laws. Most violations involve a base fine of $25.00 but additional court costs can result in a total fine of nearly $70.00. Officers will also be provided with blinking lights and brochures to distribute to the public.