Citizens Encouraged to Take Safety Precautions When Sharing the Road with Buses

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – July 27, 2018 – The Calvert County Department of Community Resources, Public Transportation Division, reminds motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians to take extra precautions when sharing the road with the county’s public transportation buses. The county government’s buses make frequent stops due to the flagging system used to allow residents to flag a bus driver for pick up rather than only waiting at designated bus pick-up locations. However, many of the county’s scenic roads have limited shoulder space, which makes sharing the road challenging.

Use the following tips to ensure safe arrival:

• To flag a bus, find a safe location along the route for the bus to pick you up. The ideal location is a straight road, with good visibility and adequate shoulder. Position yourself on the boarding side of the bus before your pickup and call public transportation in advance so they can be sure not to miss you. Wave or motion to the bus driver so they are aware you are ready to be picked up.
• Pedestrians walking along a road with no sidewalk must walk on the left side of the road. When crossing the road to the boarding side of the bus, unless in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, pedestrians should look both ways and yield the right of way to vehicles.
• When a bus stops to unload a passenger, some may need to cross the road to get to their destination. Whether a bicyclist or motorist, if you see a passenger start to cross the road as you approach a bus, it is a good idea to slow down and come to a stop to let them pass.
• Motorists and cyclists are encouraged to exercise caution if overtaking and passing a county bus or shuttle that appears to be stopped. While motorists sharing the roadway are not required to yield to county buses, it is still a good rule of thumb to slow down.

               Calvert County Government’s bus drivers have a Class B commercial driver’s license with a passenger endorsement and receive extensive training throughout the year. If an incident with a county bus is witnessed, it is encouraged that citizens report it by calling 410-535-1600, ext. 2360.

               For helpful tips, visit www.roads.maryland.gov for Maryland Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety programs. For more information contact the Calvert County Department of Community Resources at 410-535-1600, ext. 8803 or via email atLorraine.Joyner@calvertcountymd.gov.