Pedestrian Safety Campaign Is Hailed by Tampa Automobile Accident Lawyers

Pedestrians and drivers throughout Tampa, Clearwater, St Petersburg, and the rest of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties are being asked to "Stop and Look" thanks to a safety campaign that has been launched by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The Stop and Look Pedestrian Safety Campaign was organized by the Florida Department of Transportation in 2009 because of a shocking statistic that shows Pinellas County has more than double the national average of pedestrian deaths, while the statistics in Hillsborough County aren't much better. More specifically, the national average for pedestrian fatalities is 1.59 deaths per 100,000 people, but Pinellas County's average is 3.24 and Hillsborough County is 2.68.

Hailed by Tampa automobile accident lawyers, law enforcement, emergency crews, and medical professionals, the Stop and Look Pedestrian Safety Campaign encourages Tampa area pedestrians to be more predictable in their actions—as well as for motorists to stay alert and share the road. Some of the safety tips offered by the campaign include:

• For pedestrians—

• Find a safe place to cross the road, and then stop
• Stay on the curb and look both ways
• Be visible by wearing bright clothing (and reflective clothing at night)
• Do not attempt to cross the road if you are listening to music or talking on your cell phone
• Walk straight across the road to help motorists predict your actions
• Use sidewalks anytime they are available

• For drivers—

• Slow down and don't speed
• Always be alert for pedestrians
• Share the road

There's no doubt that cell phones, iPods, and other personal multimedia devices distract pedestrians and drivers alike, creating a recipe for disaster that has resulted in serious, sometimes fatal, injuries for pedestrians in Seminole Heights, South Tampa, Seffner, Riverview, Palm Harbor, Largo, and throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. The Stop and Look Pedestrian Safety Campaign hopes to prevent these tragedies by educating Tampa Bay area residents through public service announcements, educational materials, billboards, media events, school events, and more.

For further information about how to be a safe pedestrian and driver in the greater Tampa, FL area, contact the Tampa automobile accident lawyers at the law offices of Dale Appell, P.A.