As the weather warms up with the arrival of spring, more people are spending time outside and walking, which naturally leads to more pedestrians crossing streets. This increase in foot traffic can raise safety concerns, especially if drivers aren’t paying close attention.
“Distraction is likely the top reason for traffic accidents, and that includes incidents involving pedestrians,” said Capt. Warren Jensen, head of the Montgomery County Police Department’s Traffic Operations Division.
Jensen pointed to cellphone use as a major issue—drivers looking at their screens instead of the road may not see someone stepping into a crosswalk. Pedestrians, too, may be absorbed in their phones and fail to notice oncoming traffic.
“There’s a shared responsibility between drivers and pedestrians,” Jensen emphasized.
The key to staying safe? Put the phone away—whether you’re behind the wheel or walking.
“When you’re not glued to your phone, drivers can better watch for pedestrians, even those crossing illegally or ignoring signals,” he said. “If I’m driving a vehicle that weighs 5,000 pounds, it’s on me to stop.”
Jensen also warned that children are more likely to be out and about this time of year, which means drivers must be extra vigilant.
One useful tip for drivers: make eye contact with pedestrians. This simple action signals it’s safe for them to cross.
“If you’re staring at your phone and thinking, ‘I’m in a crosswalk, so I’m good,’ that assumption can be dangerous,” he said.
Jensen also reminded drivers that Maryland law requires them to stop at crosswalks—even if there’s no traffic light—if someone is waiting to cross.
“At any intersection with only painted lines and no signal, drivers must yield and let pedestrians cross both directions,” he explained.
