OIL CITY – In connection with a statewide pedestrian safety enforcement wave, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and its safety partners remind motorists and pedestrians to always be on the lookout for each other.

‘Whether you are walking, driving or riding your bike, it is critical for everyone to be aware of their surroundings,’ said Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator Mike Tautin of the Highway Safety Network. ‘And when you are walking, you should also make sure others are aware of you. Crashes happen in a matter of seconds. Being visible and predictable with your actions can be the difference between safety and tragedy.’

Police departments statewide will step up enforcement efforts.

‘These enforcement efforts have multiple objectives, but above all else, we want to make sure people are safe and we don’t see the unnecessary loss of life,’ said Millcreek Township Police Department Traffic Officer Cpl. Matthew Shollenberger. ‘We can accomplish that through enforcing the state’s laws and making sure to use these opportunities to educate both motorists and pedestrians of what is expected of them on our roadways.’

PennDOT offers the following safety tips for pedestrians and motorists: When a pedestrian crosses the street in a crosswalk, the driver must yield.

If a pedestrian crosses the street not at an intersection and there is no crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to vehicles.

When crossing the street at a signalized intersection, both pedestrians and motorists must obey the traffic control devices.

Pedestrians should wear bright, reflective clothing to remain visible to motorists, avoid distractions, and look both ways before crossing the street.

Motorists should slow down when approaching crosswalks or intersections, expect the unexpected, and eliminate all distractions when behind the wheel.

For more information on pedestrian safety, visit penndot.pa.gov/safety.