Contact:

Kelly Chesney
Department of State
(517) 373-2520

Tom Masseau
Michigan Protection &
Advocacy Service Inc.
(517) 374-4627

A public awareness campaign to reduce accidents involving motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists was launched at the Capitol today by Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and a coalition of safety advocates.

Joining Land in announcing the "Be Safe, Be Seen" campaign were prominent Farmington Hills attorney Richard Bernstein, Elmer L. Cerano, executive director of Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service Inc., and Karole White, president and CEO of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.

"Awareness, caution and courtesy are keys to preventing tragedy," said Land, Michigan’s chief traffic safety officer and an avid runner. "Sharing public spaces with motor vehicles demands extra attention on everyone’s part. To Michigan drivers we say, ‘Be cautious and careful.’ To runners, walkers and bicyclists we say, ‘Be Safe, Be Seen.’ Protect yourself by following the rules of the road, staying alert and being considerate of others."

The Department of State and Michigan Protection Advocacy Services Inc., in cooperation with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, are airing public service announcements on statewide radio and television urging all who share streets and sidewalks to "Be Safe, Be Seen." They also are publishing brochures and reflective stickers that will be available in Secretary of State branch offices.

The coalition’s message is especially important to Bernstein, a marathon runner who has been blind since birth. Bernstein walks regularly throughout his Oakland County neighborhood and knows firsthand the risks of sharing roads and sidewalks with vehicles, bicyclists and other pedestrians.

"People are getting hurt and people are dying," said Bernstein, who champions the rights of Michigan’s disability community. "Citizens need to pay attention to the people who can’t pay attention to them. What’s good for the disabled population is good for all of Michigan."

More than 5,000 pedestrians and bicyclists die each year in the United States due to traffic accidents. Many others suffer incapacitating injuries. In Michigan, pedestrian fatalities continue to decline, falling from 173 in 2002 to 139 last year. The campaign hopes to encourage that trend.

Cerano pointed out that warmer temperatures mean more people soon will be enjoying outdoor activities.

"This campaign speaks to the shared responsibilities of every Michigan resident," Cerano said. "As we move past the winter months and into the summer, motorists need to be aware of joggers, parents pushing strollers, people in wheelchairs and individuals with visual impairments. Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service is pleased to move this campaign forward throughout the summer with the Department of State."

Safety tips include:

• Being alert in and around drive-through businesses and parking garages.
• Slowly moving your vehicle out of driveways and parking areas, watching on all sides for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Waiting for drivers to stop and make eye contact with you before crossing a street. Don’t assume that they see you.
• Mounting a safety flag on a wheelchair, motorized cart or stroller for better visibility.

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters is proud to support the initiative, according to White.

"We’re pleased to help educate the public about this safety concern," White said. "If our message can prevent even one tragedy, then it’s well worth the time and effort. Whether you’re behind the wheel or on foot, we encourage all Michigan residents to act responsibly and courteously. Everyone has a role when it comes to traffic safety."

Related Links
> 'Be Safe, Be Seen' brochure PDF
> 'Be Safe, Be Seen' Photo Gallery 1
> 'Be Safe, Be Seen' Photo Gallery 2
> 'Be Safe, Be Seen' Photo Gallery 3