Share the Road Press Conference
March 28, 2008 * Georgia State Capitol * 10:30 a.m.
The Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) closed down Washington Street in front of the Gold Dome this Friday to fill the four lanes fronting the State Capitol with every mode of downtown commuter traffic a motorist might find en-route to work in an active Georgia business center. For this Share The Road media event, Washington Street was packed with a display of motor-scooters, bicycles, pedestrians and motorcycles all squeezed in between a bus, a passenger car, a State Patrol unit and a tractor trailer rig painted with a full-length “Share The Space” graphic that illustrates where NOT to drive alongside an eighteen wheeler.
The GOHS Share The Road campaign is designed to demonstrate the need for drivers of all types to be mindful that our early Southern spring temperatures make for more than just “sun-roof”, “top-down” and “convertible weather”. They also bring out the bikers, scooters, motorcycles and pedestrians to our streets and sidewalks again.. by the thousands! Share The Road is meant to remind all motorists that everyone has a right to their share of the streets and highways and a responsibility to observe the laws and rules of the road that apply specifically to them.
“This is our re-enactment of the typical traffic mix any Georgia motorist might encounter along any typical stretch of Georgia in-town roadway,” says GOHS Director Bob Dallas. “We’ve invited safety advocates from across the spectrum of Georgia commuters, whether they’re using two feet, two wheels, or two tons of passenger car for transportation. Our message is that we all have rights and responsibilities as we Share The Road on a daily basis.
Too often, when we fail to Share The Road, the consequences prove fatal. In 2006 1,703 Georgians were killed in traffic crashes. 151 of those killed were pedestrians, another 150 were motorcycle fatalities, and 19 were killed on bicycles. “And that’s a devastating shame because most of these life-saving solutions are very simple,” says GOHS Director Dallas .
“Speed limits, crosswalks, and bikes lanes are all part of the rules of the road because our data shows they save lives,” says Dallas. “By sponsoring safety events like this and supporting them with strong enforcement, it’s our hope that motorists will follow the basic rules of the road and together we’ll prevent needless fatalities in Georgia.”
Director Dallas shared a few basic driving tips for safer commuting: Like observing the right of way for pedestrians in most every driving scenario. But beware! Motorists are frequently unaware of pedestrians and even when they see them, drivers often assume people on foot will just stay out of the way of cars. The annual stats underline how deadly this misconception can be.
Who’s really in the right? Georgia law says pedestrians have the right of way over motorists who are turning right or left on green lights, turning right on red, or exiting driveways or alleys. At crosswalks without signals, pedestrians always have the right of way and motorists must stop and remain stopped to allow them to cross. Even so, pedestrians should never suddenly step off sidewalks. For safety they may even need to get the attention of oncoming drivers by being conspicuous or even waving if they have to. And if a pedestrian must walk in the roadway, they should walk facing traffic so they’re certain to see oncoming traffic. Pedestrians who must walk at night should always wear light colored clothing and carry a flashlight. Drivers should check for blind spots.
Drivers should also remember bicycles, motorcycles, and motor scooters can be equally hard to see. These two-wheeled vehicles have a much smaller profile than cars and trucks on the highway and this can make judging their speed and distance difficult as they approach. Motorists need to watch out for bikes, motorcycles and scooters especially at intersections and driveways. That’s where more than seventy-percent of these crashes occur. Drivers, check for blind spots.
Bicycle riders should remember to always wear bright, reflective clothing and protective helmets. Bicycles are considered vehicles and riders must obey the same rules as motorists. Bikers should watch for obstacles, signal their intentions, check brakes and equipment regularly, avoid biking at night, and never wear headphones. Bikers, check your mirrors for blind spots.
Motorists are reminded when driving in traffic alongside motor scooters and motorcycles to allow these two-wheeled vehicles the full width of a traffic lane. Although it may seem there’s enough room for both a car and a scooter or cycle, the two-wheeled vehicles need the full lane to maneuver safely. When it comes to motorcycles and scooters, Share The Road, but DON’T share the lane. Don’t tailgate and check for blind spots.
Riders on motor scooters and motorcycles have responsibilities too, by being alert to other drivers, following the rules of the roadway, wearing high visibility protective helmets and gear, and always driving sober. Riders, check for blind spots.
All drivers should heed the extra stopping distance needed by eighteen wheelers. Never cut into the space immediately in front of big rigs and buses, it’s their safety zone for safe stopping. The areas that can’t be seen in the big rig’s mirrors are called “The No-Zone”. If you can’t see the truck or bus driver in their side view mirrors, then the drivers can’t see you. You’re in their blind spot. Yield extra room to trucks and buses for wide turns at intersections and if you’re behind a bus, be on the look-out for loading and disembarking passengers. Truck and bus drivers, check your blind spots.
All vehicles should yield to approaching ambulances, fire trucks and police cars with sirens running and Move-Over one lane for all emergency vehicles parked alongside the highway with their emergency lights flashing. And don’t forget, before you drive anywhere, fasten your safety belt.. It’s still your be st protection against an unexpected encounter with a drunk driver.
Sharing The Road would mean fewer commuter crashes, fewer fatalities, fewer life-altering injuries, and fewer funerals for the families of Georgia drivers. Reducing rush-hour crashes could significantly cut back commuter congestion for everyone in Georgia. Safe driving = A real life saver = A real time saver too. Here’s the rest of the simple life-saving formula: Buckle-Up. Slow Down. Drive Sober. Check your blind spots.
GOHS Director Bob Dallas has been getting a first-hand look at Sharing The Road during the entire month of March as he used pedestrian and public transportation, bicycled to work, rode a motor scooter and a motorcycle instead of driving to the GOHS office in downtown Atlanta. And he’s been blogging about it all on the GOHS website. Read Bob’s first person accounts of his transportation odyssey, see the video, watch the interviews of his “Tales From the Road” and get more safe driving tips at http://www.gahighwaysafety.org/2008sharetheroad/.
