CINCINNATI, Oh. (October 10, 2019) – As anticipation builds for the 2019 Blink Cincinnati Festival, AAA and the Hamilton County Safe Communities Coalition are reminding pedestrians to stay safe while experiencing the multi-block light show regional event.

“With millions expected to participate in the four-day experience, it is critical that the public remembers safety first,” says Jenifer Moore, AAA spokeswoman. “We are encouraging all residents and visitors to follow the traffic advisories developed by Blink organizers and public safety officials.”

There were approximately 6,227 pedestrian fatalities nationally in 2018—the highest number in nearly three decades, according to the Governors Highway Safety (GHSA) Association. Additionally, pedestrians now account for approximately 16 percent of all motor vehicle deaths, compared with 11 percent just a few years ago.

AAA and the Hamilton County Safe Communities Coalition offer the following pedestrian tips for a safe Blink Cincinnati Festival experience:

• Stay alert – avoid distractions and put down your smartphone and do not wear headphones in both ears while walking.
• Follow the rules – know your city’s traffic rules, signs, and signals.
• Walk in safe places – use crosswalks and walk on sidewalks whenever possible.
• Avoid drug or alcohol impairment. Alcohol impairs your decision-making skills, physical reflexes and other abilities just as much on your feet as it does behind the wheel.

For motorists, AAA and the Hamilton County Safe Communities Coalition recommends the following:

• Be alert. Look out for pedestrians at all times and follow posted speed limits.
• Drive with caution near crosswalks. Always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and when approaching a crosswalk, reduce your speed and prepare to stop.
• Put the phone down. Do not engage with a mobile device while driving.
• Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol and drugs impair your reaction time, reflexes and decision-making skills.

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AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly two and a half million members in Ohio.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.