Staying Safe on East Gude Drive

Recently, the Pedestrian Safety Initiative Team gave a presentation to residents of the East Gude Drive Men’s Shelter on how to be safe pedestrians, use the pedestrian signal on Gude Drive, as well as listened to their concerns. There have been 18 collisions in the East Gude Drive area over the past five years and 12 of those collisions have occurred in the evening.

The team stressed the importance of staying visible after dark. Reflective zipper pulls were distributed to residents and staff and everyone was advised to always wear bright or reflective clothing at night. Reflective jackets were also distributed to shelter residents who regularly walk along Gude Drive at night.

This man is wearing the same coat! Special reflective ink
on the jacket is revealed by the headlights of a car.

Reflective Zipper Pull

Other important lessons shared with the residents included:

•          Cross the street in the crosswalk
•          Press the button on the pedestrian signal before crossing the street
•          Begin crossing the street on the “walk” signal
•          Make sure drivers stop before crossing the street
•          Be aware of drivers around you, especially those that are turning

Be Safe. Be Seen. Be Stylish.

Want to stay safe and look great? Below are some fashion forward options that will keep you visible during those dangerous dark winter months.

IllumNite makes retroreflective clothing that uses a special ink that allows for coverage that is hidden during the day, but revealed at night in the headlights for maximum safety. 

Day

Night

Tracer360 is an illuminated and reflective vest that includes multicolored LED fiber optics. 

  

Revolights bike lights casts 360 degrees of illumination, making it much easier for others to see the bike rider.

The New Balance Beacon Vazee Rush Beacon shoes stays visible with bright color accents and 360 degrees of reflectivity.

No matter what gear you use the hottest trend is staying safe! So grab a flashlight, reflective vest, arm band, zipper pull, or brightly colored jacket before you leave the house and stay safe this winter.

The (Safely) Walking Dead

The Montgomery County Pedestrian Initiative Team had a very frightening time at the Silver Spring Zombie Walk on October 24. The team passed out yellow glow sticks which kept the living and the undead safe and seen!  

There were many impressive costumes and lots of gory zombie makeup but what scared the team the most were the adults and children wearing all black costumes! Wearing all black is very dangerous because cars will have extreme difficulty seeing you at night. Halloween is no excuse. Always wear something bright and reflective when walking outside. 

Halloween Safety Tips:

·      Pick a costume with bright colors or reflective materials

·      Use a flashlight

·      Use a reflective trick or treat bag

How will you stay visible this Halloween?

Fall Fun at the Bethesda Farmer's Market

The Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Initiative team had a great time at the Bethesda Central Farmer's Market promoting visibility, awareness, and safety. 

Addressing pedestrian safety is of the utmost importance as we approach daylight savings time. If you're walking, remember that you may be hard to see. Even if you can see an approaching driver, don’t assume the driver can see you in time to stop. Do what you can to make yourself visible such as wear bright-colored clothing and establish eye contact with drivers - see them see you!

How do you "stay seen" during the winter months?

Keeping Silver Spring Visible and Safe

Did you know this is the most dangerous time of year for pedestrians? As it gets darker and darker in the evenings it is more important than ever for drivers to watch out for pedestrians and for pedestrians to make themselves visible. Pedestrians can do this by wearing bright or reflective clothing, walking in well-lit areas, and carrying a flashlight.

On October 5th, the Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Initiative team went to Silver Spring and spoke to pedestrians during the morning rush hour about this important issue.
To keep pedestrians visible the team distributed reflective bags and zipper pulls. 

Tell us in the comments below how you'll be staying visible this fall!

Pedestrian Education at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair!

What do funnel cakes, carnival rides, and pedestrian safety have in common? All three were big hits at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair!

On Sunday, August 16^th, the Montgomery County Pedestrian Safety Initiative team partnered with Montgomery County Fire and Safety in an effort to encourage and promote pedestrian safety. The team engaged with hundreds of fairgoers to provide information about the best ways for them to stay safe and distributed reflective bags.

The team encouraged pedestrians to stay visible. The best way to be safe is to be seen! Daylight savings time is coming soon and it’s important to wear bright clothing, reflective material, and walk in well-lit areas as it gets darker and darker during the evening.

Our team had a great time educating fairgoers. We hope to see them all again next year!