(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams was joined today by Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Kate Hanley, D.C.Councilmember Jim Graham and other federal and local officials to launch a regional public awareness campaign for pedestrian safety. The English and Spanish language campaign features newspaper ads, drive-time radio spots and billboard advertising to educate pedestrians and motorists on safe walking and driving.

“Our city is a walking city-from downtown and Capitol Hill to Fort Dupont and the Anacostia waterfront,” said Mayor Williams. “We need to make it as safe as possible for all pedestrians. Because this is a regional issue, I very much welcome the cooperation of our neighbors from Maryland and Virginia.”

Dan Tangherlini, the District’s Director of Transportation, emphasized that pedestrians and motorists should pay attention to the region’s enhanced signs and other devices to help the traveling public avoid accidents. “Pedestrians and motorists should not overlook our pedestrian signals, including our new ‘countdown signals,’ crosswalks, school flashers and improved lighting and markings,” he said.

The campaign includes materials aimed at truckers, including pamphlets, and public service announcements.

Also participating in the press conference were Gary Henderson, Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration; Taft Kelly, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; and Mike Farrell, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.