With more people choosing a bicycle for transportation, the California Highway Patrol and Office of Traffic Safety are embarking on a month-long endeavor to encourage all motorists to safely share the road.
“The goal of the ‘Roll Model’ campaign is to educate motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians about the rules of the road and encourage everyone to act responsibly,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “It is especially important for bicyclists to be visible when riding with traffic and for motorists to use extra caution when approaching driveways and making turns at intersections.”
This month’s traffic safety campaign by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration follows a significant increase in the number of people killed in bicycle-involved collisions in California.
According to Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System data, in 2011 there were 142 bicyclists killed in California. Those deaths accounted for 5 percent of the total collision fatalities in California.
Beginning Sept. 16, 2014, California drivers must give bicyclists 3 feet of clearance or slow down and pass when it would not endanger a bicyclist’s safety.
“More Californians are walking and biking and it is everyone’s responsibility to save lives by avoiding distracted driving,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “When all travelers pay attention and share the road, it helps curb collisions and improve transportation safety.”
In March, Caltrans released the California Household Travel Survey, which found the percentage of California residents walking, biking or using public transportation on a typical day has more than doubled since 2000.
Being a “Roll Model” means:
- Riding and driving focused – never distracted.
- Riding and driving prepared – always expect the unexpected.
- Putting safety first – we never know when a crash will occur, regardless of skill level or age; always wear a bicycle helmet when on a bicycle and a seat belt when in a car.
- Sharing the road – both vehicle drivers (motorist and bicyclist) should look out for one another and show mutual respect.
For more information on pedestrian and bicycle safety, visit the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center at http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/index.cfm .
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security to the people of California.