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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 100 lives each year in the Maricopa region and pedestrian involved crashes have steadily risen with increases in both injuries and fatalities. Pedestrian fatalities increased 57 percent over a 10-year period (2010-2019). Although bicycle crashes have trended downward during the same period, more cyclists died in 2019 than in 2018.

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.
Be aware that a pedestrian or cyclist 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.
Eliminate all distractions.
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.
Wear a helmet.
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.
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.

Crash Data and Regional Bicycle Safety Analysis

Historical crash trends involving pedestrians and bicyclists are provided below.

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, we will be conducting pilot programs 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 under development. 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 and its materials, called See Me AZ, with a key goal of changing the behaviors of drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to ensure a safer future for all users. It is expected that the materials produced from this program can be used by local police departments in their efforts.

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

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

Transportation Safety Program Manager
Margaret Herrera

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See Me AZ