A coalition of Washington-area governments has rolled out its new “Slow Down, Life Ahead” campaign, which will include increased traffic enforcement and messaging for drivers emphasizing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Local police departments will increase enforcement of laws aimed to protect non-motorists, while campaign “street teams” will act as walking billboards reminding drivers of the law and offering safety tips.

“Simple, everyday actions like following the speed limit, stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks, and looking both ways before you cross the street can save lives,” Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer said.

In the Washington area, 117 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed in 2023, a 17% drop from 2022, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments said.

Broken down, 110 of those deaths were pedestrians while the other seven were bicyclists, Ms. Nizer told WTOP-FM.

In 2022, 16 pedestrians were killed in the District, half of all traffic fatalities, with three cyclist deaths. In Maryland, 128 of 564 fatalities involved pedestrians and 10 involved cyclists, while in Virginia 173 of 1,008 fatalities involved pedestrians and 11 involved cyclists, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Maryland’s and Virginia’s data include the entire state, not just the Washington area.

The switch to Daylight Standard Time, which will happen Sunday, is the start of increased danger on roads because of decreased visibility in the evening.

The Council of Governments consists of 24 jurisdictions in the Washington area, including the District; Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles and Frederick counties, nine cities and one town in Maryland; and Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties, and five cities in Virginia.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.