See Me AZ

 

We all share responsibility. See Me AZ as you drive. as you ride. as you walk.

Bicycle and pedestrian crashes continue to claim more than 150 lives each year in the Maricopa region and pedestrian involved crashes have steadily risen with increases in both injuries and fatalities. Pedestrian fatalities increased 96 percent over a 10-year period (2011-2020). Bicycle crashes have claimed more than 18 riders’ lives each year on average during the same period. In 2020, one third of all traffic fatalities in the MAG region were pedestrians or people riding a bicycle.

Research finds that most bicycle and pedestrian crashes happen when drivers, cyclists and pedestrians fail to see one another. “See Me AZ” seeks to raise awareness of pedestrian and motorist laws and change the behaviors that lead to pedestrian and cyclist crashes and fatalities. 

 

"The safety of everyone on our roads is critically important. We know that traffic crashes involving pedestrian deaths are a growing public health concern and that we need to quickly figure out the root causes, as we all share the responsibility when it comes to road safety."

Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, chair of the MAG Regional Council

Safety Tips  

 

 

Driver Safety Tips

  • Heads up, cell phones down. Distractions such as cell phones keep your eyes off the road and can result in crashes.
  • Stop for pedestrians, even if you think you have the right of way.
  • It’s the law. Slow down and obey the posted speed limit.
  • Stop and look for pedestrians and bicyclists before turning.
  • Look in your right mirror before making a turn for a pedestrian or bicyclist that may be approaching the intersection next to you.
  • Do not pass vehicles stopped for people crossing.
  • Do not block or park in crosswalks.
  • Take extra care around buses.
  • Allow three feet when passing bicyclists.
  • When turning right on red or from a driveway, look for pedestrians and cyclists that may be approaching from either direction.
  • Drive sober.

Bicyclist Safety Tips

  • Heads up, cell phones down. Distractions such as cell phones keep your eyes off the road and can result in crashes.
  • Follow all of the same traffic laws as you would if driving.
  • Always wear a helmet, regardless of speed or riding location.
  • Wear reflective clothing and use a headlight if riding at night.
  • Always stop for traffic signals and stop signs.
  • Use the bike lane where available.
  • Exercise caution when crossing driveways.
  • Yield to pedestrians.
  • Ride sober.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

  • Heads up, cell phones down. Distractions such as cell phones or other activities that keep your eyes off the road can result in crashes.
  • Cross at corners and intersections. Use marked crosswalks where available.
  • Before crossing look left, right, then left again.
  • Use the pedestrian buttons on traffic signals. Cross the street only on the walk signal. If the red hand begins to flash or a countdown begins, do not begin to cross – it is illegal and dangerous.
  • Be visible at night and in bad weather. Wear reflective or light clothing and carry a flashlight. It is much easier for you to see cars than for them to see you.
  • Watch out for vehicles turning right on red.
  • Look for turning vehicles before crossing.
  • Use sidewalks or walk facing traffic where there are no sidewalks.
  • When stepping off a bus, allow it to proceed before crossing to ensure a clear sightline.
  • Walk sober.

 

 

Fatalities and Injuries Data and Regional Bicycle Safety Analysis

Historical fatalities and injuries trends involving pedestrians and bicyclists are provided below.

Pedestrian Fatalities and Injuries Per Year (MAG Region)

Historical data indicates a steady rise in the number of pedestrian crashes, with increases in injury and fatal crashes most years.

 

Bicyclist Fatalities and Injuries Per Year (MAG Region)

Historical data indicates that there is variance in the number of bicyclist-involved motor-vehicle incidents, though there are around 20 fatal incidents per year.

Pedestrian Crashes by Lighting Conditions and Severity (2011 - 2020)

Pedestrian fatalities happen 77% of the time at night

 

Bicyclist Crashes by Lighting Conditions and Severity (2011 - 2020)

52% of Bicyclist fatalities happen during the daylight hours while 36% of fatal bike crashes happen at night

 

Pedestrian Crashes by Location

Pedestrian Crashes by Location are more likely to happen during an intersection

 

Bicyclist Crashes by Location

Fatal Bicyclist Crashes occur more frequently around an intersection

 

The information below is designed to help our member agencies create materials to promote the See Me AZ campaign. In addition to the below items, pilot programs are being conducted in 4 local jurisdictions in 2021. More information will be provided throughout the year.

 

The Purpose

The Maricopa Association of Governments Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Education and Enforcement program provides regional resources for improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety in the region. Phase I, development of the program, is part of the MAG Strategic Transportation Safety Plan update and is currently in progress. Program development was guided by the “Street Smart NJ” program, which served as a guideline and source of inspiration. A task force was created to guide development of the program, See Me AZ, and reference materials, with a key goal of changing the behaviors of drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to ensure a safer future for all users. The materials produced from this program can be used by local police departments in their efforts to promote safety.

Key Goals:

  • Change people’s behavior to reduce roadway incidents.
  • Inform people about their roles and responsibilities for safely sharing the road.
  • Increase enforcement of laws and people’s awareness of that effort.

 

See Me AZ Toolkit

 

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  • Complete this form to receive the editable files for the See Me AZ toolkit and add your agency logo.



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Transportation Safety Program Manager
Margaret Herrera
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