(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams today announced a holiday safety campaign to make the District’s streets safer for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists.

"We are asking radio stations and other media outlets to join with us to remind readers, viewers and listeners to drive, walk and bike safely this holiday season," said Mayor Williams. "While the effort is ongoing, we’re making a special emphasis on safety during the holidays when so many people are moving around."

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is running a campaign of radio announcements between December 16 and January 1 as part of its work with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and nearby jurisdictions to emphasize the District’s commitment to the "3 E’s" of traffic safety: engineering, enforcement and education.

Engineering refers to the installation of more pedestrian countdown signals than any other city in the country. This makes the District’s high-crash intersections safer along with putting in shorter pedestrian crossings, pedestrian islands, improved street lights and pavement markings.

Enforcement includes DDOT providing overtime pay for MPD officers who watch for traffic violations.

Education includes the holiday public service ads as well as demonstrations in schools to teach good walking and biking behavior. It also includes handing out educational material, along with citations.