The International Walk to School Day started back in 1997 and since then millions of people across the globe have come together to help reduce the risks of pedestrian accidents in Maine and elsewhere each October. In 2002, the largest number of participants was recorded at approximately 3 million for the event.There are many reasons to participate in this year’s events. Walking promotes a healthy lifestyle, it helps to reduce the amount of pollutants let off by motor vehicles and it helps to raise awareness about the need for more accessible sidewalks, pathways and safer intersections.
Our Portland pedestrian accident attorneys understand that pedestrian safety has been a frequent topic of conversation among safety advocates. Back in 2005, legislation was passed to help everyone understand the importance of safe pedestrian travel. Through this legislation and through the Safe Routes to School program, federal funding is distributed to states for safe traveling programs and for the construction of safer roadways. However, none of the contributions mean anything without the cooperation of motorists and pedestrians across the nation. This event helps to gain the cooperation from individuals across the state.
Schools that are participating in this year’s event include:
-Hichborn Middle School
-Troy Central Elementary School
-Monroe Elementary School
-Morse Memorial Elementary School
-Walker Elementary School
-Mt. View Elementary School
-Mt. View Middle School
-My. View High School
-Madison Elementary School
-Atwood Primary School
-Blue Point School
-Brown Elementary School
-RSU 3
-Mount Desert Elementary School
-Mahoney Middle School
Each school is participating in different ways. Some schools are hosting mile long walks/runs during school hours. Others are dropping school bus riders off a mile away from school and having everyone walk to school together. Others have simply applied for some of the federal funding so that students can have safe ways to make it to school.
Approximately 11,500 schools across the county have already received federal funding to help create safer routes to school. Maine is hoping to receive some of this funding during the 2011 campaign. Safe sidewalks and crosswalks could be constructed at a number of our local roadways to help keep our school-aged pedestrians safe. The truth of the matter is that far too little funding is spent on pedestrian safety.
“Enabling and encouraging safe walking and biking to school is important for transportation, health, and safety in communities throughout the State,” said Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) Commissioner David Cole.
The MaineDOTsencourages you join this year’s events to:
-Help to reduce traffic congestion and speed limits near schools and in school zones.
-Help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing vehicular traffic.
-To help to improve classroom performance and behavior.
-To improve socials networks amongst students and to increase the bond between students and teachers.
-To teach children safe pedestrian and bicycling behavior and habits.
-To help build students’ self-confidence and independence.
-To help reclaim the streets for safer walking and biking instead of for speedy vehicularstraffic.
If you or your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Bangor and have questions about how to be compensated, contact us at 1-800-917-1784 or read more on our website.
More Blog Entries:
National Transportation Safety Board hosts forum on aging drivers, Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, November 26, 2010
What if the person who caused my accident doesn’t have enough insurance? Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Maine, Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, September 24, 2010