“Pedestrian crashes are up by 10 percent; it’s a national phenomena but unfortunately Ohio is leading the other states in this,” said Brian O. Martin, executive director, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.
The campaign includes images of people with tire tread marks on their faces, to remind motorists and pedestrians that humans don’t come with airbags.
“It’s provocative, visual advertising,” Martin said.
The billboard ads are located along arterial roadways throughout the Miami Valley that have higher vehicle, transit and pedestrian traffic.
“Losing one life is too many,” Martin said. “Get off your tablet, get off your telephone, look out your windshield and make sure you’re watching for walkers.”
Adrian Collins, of Dayton, was walking along North Main Street with his three children Thursday afternoon.
“It’s pretty dangerous out here; there’s a lot of cars out here that just some of them don’t pay attention,” Collins said. “You better pay attention or you might get harmed. It makes it safer,” he added of the campaign.
The MVRPC is offering reminders, including:
- If there is a sidewalk, use it. If you must walk in the street, walk on the left-facing traffic.
- Wear light-colored or reflective clothing at night, dawn or dusk.
- If you regularly walk or jog at night, consider wearing lights, or just carry a flashlight.
- If there is a crosswalk, use it.
- Even if it is your turn to cross at a light, make eye contact with any approaching vehicles.
- Watch out for turning vehicles at intersections.
- Don't walk distracted; look up from your phone when crossing a street, or better still, put it away entirely when walking along a busy road.
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