Recap: Traffic Safety Education

“Training Wheels” hosted by Royal Oak in 2017

At last month’s SEMCOG University, “Traffic Safety Education,” we were joined by three local communities who are taking a proactive approach to educating all road users on safety.

• Pittsfield Township – Highlights from community outreach events, such as Pedal Pittsfield, that promote safe bicycling practices.
• City of Detroit – Highlights from the city’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program, including engaging seniors, schools, and walking groups.
• City of Royal Oak – Highlights from the city’s Ride On bicycle safety education campaign, including targeted material distribution and events.

View slides from the workshop here.

We also shared updates from SEMCOG’s regional education campaign Walk.Bike.Drive. Safe. The goals of the campaign are:

• Target key behaviors based on data and the emphasis areas in the Southeast Michigan Traffic Safety Plan;
• Increase safe habits and awareness of laws of the road; and
• Decrease the number and severity of crashes involving people who walk and bike.

The first campaign media blitz in October 2018 was a huge success thanks to the support of more than 100 member communities and partner agencies! For two weeks, we targeted everyone who walks, bikes, or drives in Southeast Michigan with a few simple messages:

• Distractions are Deadly. (Stay aware and watch for others on the road.)
• Darkness is Deadly. (Use a bike light.)
• Turn Safely: Look, Wait, Turn. (Wait for people walking and biking to clear intersection before turning.)
• Safety is everyone’s responsibility. (Weather you drive, walk, or bike.)

You may have seen or heard some of these messages while on your commute last fall. In total, we had more than 44 million impressions! These came from:

• Messages shared by local governments and agencies
• Outdoor ads (billboards and bus posters)
• On-board bus cards
• Gas station video ads
• Online news ads
• Radio spots
• Social media ads
• TV PSAs
• Dynamic Message Signs on highways

Following the fall blitz, we surveyed stakeholders and the public and used the feedback to enhance the campaign messages and materials. Now we’re preparing for a second blitz on May 6-19, 2019, just in time for National Bike Month. Once again, we’re offering free campaign materials for your community, which feature bike lights, light-up wristbands, light-up reflective armbands, posters, brochures, and tip cards. All materials are available to preview on the Walk.Bike.Drive. Safe website.

Print on-demand from the website or complete this form by April 12 to order materials (supplies limited!) in time for May 6. Stay tuned as we will be sending out additional materials closer to launch of the blitz. These will include new social media messages, videos, and a newsletter article template.