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Focus on safety

March 28, 2012

Contact: Sarah Ferrara, public information officer, transportation, 480-312-2655
David Pubins, public information officer, police, 480-312-1911


Focus on Safety

Scottsdale will be bustling this week with Bike Week, spring training and the launch of Valley Bike Month.

With thousands out walking, biking, motorcycling and driving, remember to focus on safety. 

Keep an eye out for motorcyclists on the freeway and roads this week -- about 60,000 people are expected to attend this week’s Bike Week and Cyclefest festivities at WestWorld.

Whether on two feet, two wheels or four wheels, travelers should be aware of their surroundings, obey traffic laws and be visible to every other type of user on the road.

Driving safety tips include:

  • Take an extra look for motorcycles and bicycles, as they can be hidden in a car’s blind spots.
  • Motorcycles and bicycles, may look farther away because of their smaller size, so anticipate they may be closer than they look.
  • Allow more follow distance for motorcyclist as they can slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle, so the brake light may not activate.
  • When passing a bicyclist, allow at least three feet of room between your vehicle and the cyclist – it’s the law. 
  • Yield to pedestrians, especially at intersections and whether they are in a crosswalk or not.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid distractions and stay focused on driving. This month, three pedestrians have died and another one was seriously injured in roadway incidents.

“Oftentimes accidents or crashes happen because of distractions while driving,” says Traffic Unit Lieutenant Pat Connor. “We encourage you to play it safe on the road and be observant, drive defensively and obey the rules. Don’t take unnecessary chances.”

As a motorist, realize taking your eyes off the road for even just a few seconds to reach for something, text or eat equates to your vehicle moving 202 feet into traffic when driving at 45 mph. 

For more safety tips and reminders visit the following Scottsdale websites:

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/traffic/GOHS/Focus_on_Pedestrian_Safety

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/traffic/GOHS/Focus_on_Driver_Safety

Focus on Safety…your life depends on it!

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