MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT
JACKSON COUNTY, MO SHERIFF’S OFFICE

TO: All Media
DATE: 09-20-07
FROM: Deputy Ronda Montgomery, Public Information Officer
TIME:    8 a.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subject:    Sheriff’s Office Helps Remind People, “Same Right, Same Rules, Same Road”

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office proudly announces its participation in the Share the Road Safety Task Force!  On Monday, September 24th, at 11:00 a.m. representatives from numerous agencies will converge at 39th and State Line for the three E’s – Education, Encouragement, and Enforcement.  Volunteers will be handing out flyers to educate and encourage, and local law enforcement will be handing out their own type of flyers by way of enforcement.

What everyone needs to know is that we all have the “Same Right, Same Rules, and are required to use the Same Road”.  That is why the Jackson County, MO Sheriff’s Office has joined several agencies in the Share the Road Safety Task Force.  Starting as early as 6 a.m. Monday, September 24, 2007 to Saturday, September 29th, 2007, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and several other agencies will join together to enforce the Missouri statutes written to protect all of us as we Share the Road.

Many do not know that there are laws requiring bicyclists to adhere to the same rules that motorists do (i.e. using signals to turn, stopping for signals and or signs, and stopping at cross walks, etc.).  In addition, many of the accidents involving bicyclists are attributed to ignorance of these laws, and we all know that ignorance to them is no excuse.

The Task Force, formed in July of 2006 by Deb Ridgway (Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator for Kansas City, Missouri), aims to Educate the public, Encourage bicyclists and pedestrians, and Enforce laws relating to bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians sharing the road.  Unfortunately, as of September 2, 2007, 12 pedestrians and 4 bicyclists have been killed on regional roadways this year.  In 2006, 16 pedestrians and 4 bicyclists were killed in the region.

A list of agencies participating is following this release.  However, we ask that you join us and help save lives by sharing our message.  There will be an opportunity to interview a bicyclist that was hit by a car and hear of his injuries and continued healing process, a driver that hit a bicyclist and hear of his guilt, and from representatives involved and why they are adamant to participate in this good cause.

Should you have any questions, please contact me at 816-524-4302 Ext. 256.

Deputy Ronda Montgomery