MCDOT Urges Caution as Halloween and Time Change Ushers in "Scary Season" for Pedestrians and Drivers



County Launches "Eyes" Campaign to Reinforce "See and Be Seen" Message



This week, Halloween and the change back to standard time mark the start of the “scary season” for pedestrians and drivers, when an uptick in pedestrian collisions is typical.   According to a recent report released by State Farm, children are more than twice as likely to be fatally injured by a vehicle on Halloween.

The County has launched a new pedestrian safety public education campaign picturing eyes and the slogan, "Hey You, I'm Looking at You."  The education campaign focuses attention on one of the most important factors in reducing crashes – visibility.  The campaign was developed by Montgomery Blair High School students participating in the Blair Walk Project in an effort to reduce pedestrian collisions.  The new "Eyes" posters will be appearing on Ride On buses throughout the County in the coming weeks. 

Walk to School Day 2012

Montgomery County Councilmembers Valerie Ervin and Craig Rice; Department of Transportation Director Art Holmes, Fire Chief Richard Bowers, local officials and other dignitaries joined Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School students, staff and parents celebrating International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 3^rd.  Over 40 other schools across the county celebrated the day with various activities.

Also joining the walkers at Dr. Charles Drew were Montgomery County Public Schools Deputy Superintendent for the Office of Teaching, Learning and Programs Dr. Kimberly A. Statham; Principal Gail Scott-Parizer and Assistant Principal Emmanuel Jean-Philippe.

Following the walk, AAA Mid-Atlantic sponsored two assemblies featuring the robot Otto the Auto, who taught children safe walking tips.

Walk to School Day is expected to include 5,000 schools throughout the United States and 40 countries around the world. Walking to school helps promote:
• Healthier students            
• Safer streets 
• Stronger communities      
• A cleaner environment

Sponsors of this year’s event at Drew Elementary School include Safe Kids Montgomery County, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Foundation for Safety and Education, Federal Express, Montgomery County Department of Transportation, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, Montgomery County Police, Maryland Safe Routes Network, Maryland Highway Safety Office, Safe Routes to School National Partnership and Clif Kid.