The City of Kannapolis has been chosen as a partner in the “Watch for Me NC” program. The “Watch for Me NC” program aims to reduce pedestrian and bicycle injuries and deaths through a comprehensive, targeted approach of public education and police enforcement.
As a partner in this program the Kannapolis Police Department will receive free law enforcement training, technical assistance, public relations materials and safety materials to support their local efforts to improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Each year, more than 2,400 pedestrians and 960 bicyclists are hit by cars on North Carolina streets. “Watch for Me NC” is a comprehensive program, run by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in partnership with Kannapolis and other local communities, aimed at reducing the number of pedestrians and bicyclists hit and injured in crashes with vehicles.
In Kannapolis there have been three fatalities since 2013 related to pedestrians not crossing streets safely.
The “Watch for Me NC” program involves two key elements: 1) safety and educational messages directed toward drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, and 2) enforcement efforts by area police to crack down on some of the violations of traffic safety laws.
Kannapolis police officers will educate children and citizens on the importance of using sidewalks and crosswalks as they walk, bike or drive in our city. Officers will work with community organizations, schools, churches and other groups to host events to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety.
If your organization would like to join the Kannapolis Police Department in this effort contact Sgt. Brent Rowland at 704-920-4049 or browland@kannapolisnc.gov