Local residents have stepped up to install more than 300 lawn signs as part of the drive2Bbetter campaign, which aims to make our community’s roads safer for all users. The signs remind drivers of three simple driving habits to protect road users: slow, scan and space. Slowing down, scanning for pedestrians and bicyclists and giving bicyclists at least three feet of space when sharing the road are ways drivers can help make our roads safer. Some lawn signs were placed strategically in locations where there is a higher incidence of crashes.
The drive2Bbetter campaign is run by a coalition of 16 local organizations formed with the goal of ensuring all people are safe in whatever mode of transportation they choose. “Raising awareness about an issue this large requires the collective effort of many partner organizations and individuals,” said Todd Butler, president and CEO of Causewave Community Partners. “We want these lawn signs to encourage people to get involved and help spread the word in their own neighborhoods.”
Data from Reconnect Rochester shows there were nearly 4,000 crashes involving vehicles and bicyclists or pedestrians in Monroe County from 2010 through 2017.The initial phase of the campaign focuses on changing driving behavior, as driver error is the cause of 94 percent of crashes, according to a 2015 crash survey from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“During the summer, more people are walking and biking. We hope these signs get people thinking about their driving habits and excited about this campaign,” said Mike Bulger, healthy communities project coordinator at Common Ground Health.
Individuals interested in joining this community effort can contact info@causewave.org to request lawn signs for their home or business. For more information on the campaign, go to drive2bbetter.com.
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