MAGLITE®, THE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY INSTITUTE AND CITIZENS BEHIND THE BADGE TO PROMOTE TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY DURING NATIONAL ROADSIDE TRAFFIC SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH
Pedestrian deaths continue to increase unabated year after year – A pedestrian is killed every 75 minutes in the U.S. (GHSA)--including many law enforcement officers
(Ontario, CA) June 27, 2023: The Maglite brand partners up with the Pedestrian Safety Institute (PSI) to support traffic and pedestrian safety during the deadliest month of the year, July. According to the PSI, July has the highest rate of traffic-related fatalities. The days surrounding July 4th are particularly dangerous and are routinely referred to as the deadliest driving days of the year.
Drivers in the United States struck and killed 3,434 people in the first half of 2022 – up 5%, or 168 more deaths, from the same period the year before, according to analysis from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). The GHSA estimates that more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed by drivers last year—the highest number since 1981.
Darkness and low visibility play a significant role in pedestrian deaths. In fact, more than 70 percent of fatalities happen in low-light conditions, particularly at night. In addition to the Pedestrian Safety Institute, Maglite is proud to have the American Paramedic Association, Citizens Behind the Badge, the U.S. Deputy Sheriffs Association, the lead economist of the Drucker School, Jay Prag, America’s Criminologist Dr. Currie Meyers, and legal scholar John Tulac joining in this mission to illuminate the dangers facing pedestrians and solutions.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 114 law enforcement officers were struck and killed while out of their vehicles during the 10-year period ending in 2020. “Citizens Behind the Badge (CBB) is particularly concerned about the roadside safety of our law enforcement officers during this dangerous driving period,” stated CBB founder and CEO Craig W. Floyd. “First and foremost, all drivers should obey the Move Over laws in all 50 states. These laws typically require motorists to change lanes and/or slow down when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle stopped alongside the roadway,” Floyd added.
National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month was created by the Pedestrian Safety Institute with the goal of educating and urging drivers to use caution while driving during this time of year. “There are simple ways to reduce the number of deaths due to pedestrian traffic accidents - carry a bright flashlight, wear reflective clothing and be cautious, especially around fast-moving traffic,” said Tony Maglica, founder and CEO of Mag Instrument, Inc., manufacturer of the Maglite® Flashlight.
Other facts and Safety Tips are available at https://maglite.com/collections/national-roadside-safety-awareness.