Monday, April 18, 2016

 

Montgomery County’s Pedestrian Safety Team will be participating in several events in the upcoming months. Many of these events include entertainment, food, and themed activities for all ages and interests. Come visit our booth to learn more about pedestrian safety and receive a giveaway item that will enhance your safety!

April 23, 2016 (10:00am – 2:00pm)
Giant Germantown
Neelsville Village – Milestone
20944 N Frederick Rd
Germantown, MD 20876

April 30, 2016 (11:00am-4:00pm)
Takoma Park Community Center
7500 Maple Ave
Takoma Park, MD 20912

May 7, 2016 (6:00pm – 10:00pm)
Gaithersburg City Hall Grounds
31 S. Summit Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

May 21, 2016 (10:00am – 3:00pm)
Downtown Bethesda

June 4, 2016 (10:00am – 3:00pm)
Woodmont Ave/Elm Street
Bethesda, MD 20814

June 5, 2016 (11:00am – 5:00pm)
Wheaton Triangle
Corner of Grandview/Reedie Drive
Wheaton, MD 20902

June 11, 2016 (9:00am – 1:30pm)
6001 Executive Blvd
North Bethesda, MD 20852

June 12, 2016 (12:00pm – 5:00pm)
Gaithersburg City Hall Grounds
31 S. Summit Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Tuesday, April 5, 2016



It’s that time of year again! 


The flowers are blooming and the weather is getting warmer. Whether walking, biking, or driving — more people want to be outside on our streets.  Please be safe when spending time outdoors:


  1. Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists and stop for them when they are walking, biking, or crossing the street.
  2. Make eye contact with drivers. They may be looking at flowers too and could be distracted. Make sure they see you and stop before you cross the street.
  3. When sidewalks aren’t available make sure you are facing traffic when walking and stay on the edge of the road, as far from cars as possible.
  4. Don’t stand in the middle of the street! If you are taking pictures of the cherry trees make sure you are out of the road and in a safe place away from traffic.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Push the Button! Wait for the Walk Signal!


Using Push-Button Activated Traffic Signals


Most pedestrian signals will not automatically change to provide pedestrian crossings at locations with push buttons; the button must be pushed to activate the signals. Each intersection is timed differently according to its size and traffic/pedestrian patterns. Intersections have been studied and timed based on an average walking speed. Longer crossing times are provided at intersections used primarily by children and senior citizens.

So how do you do it?

(1) You must first press the pedestrian push-button. Waiting time will vary at each intersection.

(2) Wait for the WHITE, WALKING FIGURE symbol (or WALK signs on older signals) before you step off the curb into the street.

(3) Look both ways for moving and turning vehicles, then proceed with caution across the intersection, walking within the crosswalk.

(4) The ORANGE FLASHING HAND (or DONT WALK signs on older signals) alerts pedestrians that they may not start crossing the intersection, but may finish crossing if they have already started during the “WALK” indication.

(5) When the ORANGE HAND (or DONT WALK signs on older signals) stops flashing, traffic will begin to move across the crosswalk. Pedestrians should wait on the curb for the next WALK symbol to be activated by once again pushing the button.