Media contacts: Regional Transportation Commission – Joe Harrington, 775.848.9062, or Michael Moreno, 775.771.6453
Reno, Nevada. April 29, 2015. The City of Reno, City of Sparks, Washoe County, NDOT and RTC created a new pedestrian and driver safety message airing on social media and local television. In 2015, there have been 11 traffic deaths in Washoe County. To help educate the public about being safe pedestrians and drivers, the partners created messages that can be viewed via these links: Video 1 & Video 2.
“Safety is the top priority for the RTC. With the prevalence of handheld electronic devices, this creates even more distractions. We want to remind everyone no text, tweet or call is worth a life,” Lee Gibson, RTC executive director, said.
“With the recent spike in pedestrian deaths, we all need to remember to obey the rules of the road whether on foot, riding a bike or behind the wheel. Failing to follow the law is more than just a ticket, it can have deadly consequences,” Reno Councilmember and RTC Chair Neoma Jardon said.
“Safety is at the heart of every road project in our region, but it takes everyone working together to reach the goal of zero fatalities. I hope this message is a good reminder just how important it is to be a safe pedestrian and driver,” Washoe County Commission Chair Marsha Berkbigler said.
“NDOT is investing millions in safety improvements in the Truckee Meadows, but we want pedestrians and drivers to be educated and vigilant about staying safe too – that’s what this message is all about,” NDOT Director Rudy Malfabon said.
“The City of Sparks is dedicated to reaching the goal of Zero Fatalities. This campaign shows the frighteningly real consequences that can result when people aren’t paying attention and aren’t following the rules of the road,” Sparks Mayor Geno Martini said.
Titled, “Look up and Look Out for Each Other,” the message depicts several people failing to be observant because they are distracted by mobile devices. In Nevada, it is against the law to use a non-hands free electronic device while driving.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve stated, “We encourage everyone to share the ad on social media to help reach the goal of Zero Fatalities – because no lives lost on Nevada roads are acceptable.”
The Nevada Departments of Transportation and Public Safety oversee the state’s Zero Fatalities traffic safety campaign. For more information, go to: http://zerofatalitiesnv.com.
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About RTC: The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, Nevada serves the citizens of Reno, Sparks and unincorporated areas of Washoe County. As the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the region, the RTC provides leadership in transportation planning and implementation of quality transportation systems to meet the community’s transportation needs. For more information visit www.rtcwashoe.com.
