MCDOT Reminds Motorists to Drive Sober this Holiday Season

The extended Thanksgiving holiday is one of the most heavily traveled times of the year and most fatal for drunk driving crashes. Specifically, Thanksgiving Eve is known as one of the busiest nights for bars and restaurants and sometimes referred to as “Black Wednesday,” as it largely includes social binge drinking (consumption of a high volume of alcohol in a short period of time), drunk driving, and underage drinking.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2013 to 2017, more than 800 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, making it one of the most dangerous holidays on our roadways. For that reason, NHTSA and its partners are conducting a social media blitz featuring two hashtags #BoycottBlackoutWednesday and #DitchDanksgiving to help deliver lifesaving messages into the public conversation and encourage positive actions that can help reduce impaired driving.

Aligned with our support of Vision Zero, MCDOT aims to assist law enforcement and to educate the public on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. MCDOT reminds residents that these high-risk activities, combined with the sheer number of drivers on the road, make it an especially dangerous holiday for alcohol-related collisions.

Wondering how you can avoid a perilous situation on Thanksgiving weekend? Follow these NHTSA tips if you’ve been drinking or see a possible drunk driver:

·         Plan in advance and designate a sober driver before the first drink.

·         Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Don't risk it.

·         Never let family or friends drive if they have had too much alcohol to drink.

·         If you don't have a designated driver, contact a friend or family member, use public transportation, a taxi or ride share service like Uber or Lyft.

·         Whether riding or driving, ALWAYS wear your seat belt.

·         If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. If you see a suspected drunk driver on the roadway this holiday season – or any time of the year – please call 9-1-1 to report the driver to authorities. It could save lives and help everyone enjoy a safe and happy holiday.

Go Montgomery! November 19,2019

Chris Conklin is the New MCDOT Director   On Oct. 29, Christopher Conklin was confirmed by the Montgomery County Council as the new MCDOT Director. Conklin has served as Deputy Director for Transportation Policy since 2016. Read the press release.    Thank You and Farewell to Al Roshdieh Following a 30-year career with the MCDOT and nearly five years as the department’s director, Al Roshdieh retired on Nov. 1. Attending a tribute to Roshdieh were people from throughout Montgomery County, including County Exective Marc Elrich. Learn more.   County Executive Elrich Attends MCDOT's Snow Summit County Executive Marc Elrich reviewed the County’s readiness for the 2019-2020 winter storm season at MCDOT's annual Snow Summit. Among those joining Elrich were MCDOT Director Christopher Conklin and Highway Services Chief Richard Dorsey. View photos.   MCDOT Opens Rebuilt Park Valley Road Bridge Over Sligo Creek in Silver Spring At the dedication, County Executive Elrich and MCDOT Director Chris Conklin talked about the significant safety improvements that the new bridge delivers, while preserving the character of the original bridge—including its stone design. The bridge and reconfigured trail project will improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, access to the hiker/biker trail, will meet ADA standards and improve traffic safety. This project is an example of County's efforts to modify infrastructure in a manner that supports the goals of the County's Vision Zero program. Read the press release.   County Launches Month-Long ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ Campaign MCDOT joined other County departments and agencies to launch an aggressive campaign to make drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists aware of the added perils that come with decreased hours of daylight. “Be Safe, Be Seen” events will be held at Ride On bus stops and high schools this month. Learn more.   MCDOT to Enhance Sustainable Salt Practices During Snow Removal MCDOT will be using new environmental controls to better balance salt use during snow removal operations this winter. Learn more.   Ride On Assists DEP with ‘Gift Outside the Box!’ Campaign DEP is sponsoring a holiday campaign launched Nov. 15 with advertising support on MCDOT’s Ride On buses. The “Gift Outside the Box” campaign encourages residents to make more sustainable choices by reducing waste, supporting local businesses and encouraging volunteerism during the holiday season. Learn more.   Elrich and Officials Call for State to Return Corridor Cities Transitway (CCT) to Maryland Transportation Plan  On Oct. 28, County Executive Marc Elrich led County Councilmembers, Federal, State and municipal officials and Montgomery County business leaders in expressing their disappointment with the Maryland Department of Transportation’s decision to eliminate the CCT from the draft of the State 2020-25 Consolidated Transportation Program. Learn more.   Street Smart Safety Campaign Warns of Increase in Pedestrian Crashes   The DC area's StreetSmart campaign reports a 14 percent increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities between 2017 and 2018 regionwide. Law enforcement officials will step up efforts to ticket drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists who break safety laws, such as failing to stop for people in crosswalks or not signaling.    Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week  Last week marked a national observance to remind drivers to MOVE OVER or slow down when passing traffic incidents and emergency vehicles. Each year, emergency responders, police officers and highway works experience close calls or are injured and some are even killed while responding to incidents on our roadways. Learn more.     MCDOT to Hold Public Hearing for Proposed Sidewalk Construction on Oak Drive/MD 27 Dec. 4 MCDOT invites the public to attend a public hearing on December 4 at 7 p.m. to provide comments concerning construction of a sidewalk that provides disabled citizens, pedestrians and bicyclists safer travel to schools and nearby public attractions or facilities. Learn more.     MCDOT to Hold Public Hearing for Proposed Sidewalk Construction in Olney Acres/Macduff Avenue Community Dec.11 MCDOT invites the public to attend a public hearing on December 11 at 7 p.m. to provide comments concerning construction of a sidewalk that provides disabled citizens, pedestrians and bicyclists safer travel to schools and nearby public attractions or facilities. Learn more.   2019 Walk & Ride Challenge Winner This year's competition was fierce but friendly. The annual event encourages Transportation Management District employees to incorporate walking into their daily routines and consider transportation options other than driving alone. The first place winner was Team Happy Feet from Linowes and Blocher, walking 282,262 steps during the three-week competition.    Slower Growth in Working Memory Linked to Teen Driving Crashes  Source: Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania Research into why adolescent drivers are involved in motor vehicle crashes, the leading cause of injury and death among 16- to-19-year-olds in the United States, has often focused on driving experience and skills. But a new study suggests that development of the adolescent brain may play a critical role in whether a teenager is more likely to crash. Read more.   Participate in the County’s Pedestrian Master Plan Process Public input is a vital part of the planning process for the Pedestrian Master Plan. If you were not able to attend the Nov. 13 event, you can still participate by posting photos and videos of your walk in Montgomery County use #WalkingHere on social media or online.   New Federal Bill Aims to Counter Alarming Rise in Pedestrian Deaths with Funding for Safer Streets  A plan to re-prioritize federal transportation spending was introduced by members of Congress after recent reports showing an alarming rise in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities on the nation’s roadways.  Read more.   MDOT Recognizes Law Enforcement Officers for Impaired Driving Prevention Efforts   The Maryland Department of Transportation recognized 131 law enforcement officers from 30 state, county, and local police agencies, including Montgomery County, for their commitment to enforcing the state’s impaired driving laws. Read more.   A Transportation Q&A: Elrich Talks Highways, Tolls, Buses and More  Bethesda Beat Staff interviews Marc Elrich about Montgomery County traffic in the November/December issue of the Bethesda Magazine. Read article. November 19, 2019 Holiday Schedule for Thanksgiving Day Nov. 28 County offices – Closed. Ride On – Operates on a Sunday schedule. View your route number. Ride On FLEX - Closed. Metrorail/Metrobus – Visit www.wmata.com. TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center – Closed. TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store – Closed. Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – Free. View more Montgomery County holiday schedule changes. MCDOT Began Leaf Collection Nov. 11 MCDOT began leaf vacuum collections in the leafing district that will continue through mid-December. Residents are asked to pile leaves near the street, but off the road. Avoid placing leaves on road shoulders, bike lanes and rain gardens. Learn more. MCDOT Held Learn-to-Ride e-Scooter Class Nov. 2 Lyft and Lime taught proper e-scooter use and laws, and provided e-scooters for test rides. Residents must be 18 or older to rent and wear a helmet. Watch a video on the dos and dont’s of e-scooter riding. MCDOT's dockless e-scooter pilot program is available in select areas. MCDOT's Safe Routes to School Hosted Bike Rodeo Nov. 13 Dufief Elementary School students brought their bikes, scooters and helmets to school  for the Safe Routes to School bike rodeo. Students learned the rules of the road, how to perform hand signals, run drills and safety tips.  Record 176 Bicycles Donated at MCDOT’s Annual Bike Drive  MCDOT and Rockville Bike Hub thank the community for their generosity in donating a record number of child and adult bikes and bike parts this year at MCDOT's annual collection event. The bikes are refurbished and then go to low-income residents in the County. Learn more and read the article  featured in Bethesda Magazine. MCDOT Honors Teen Safe Driving Week by Hosting Youth Safety Lab MCDOT and the National Organization for Youth Safety (NOYS) hosted a Youth Safety Lab at Glenmont Local Park in Wheaton to help young drivers and future drivers be better prepared for experiences behind the wheel. Learn more. MCDOT Promotes 'Be Safe Be Seen' Campaign at Seneca Valley High School This aggressive daylight-savings safety campaign tour is engaging seven high schools that have the highest number of students who walk to and from school. High school education efforts also aim to reach new and learning drivers. MCDOT, MCPD and MCFRS visited over 10 classrooms this month. Find out who MCDOT will visit next. MCDOT Brings Street Smart’s VR Challenge to Burtonsville MCDOT partnered with the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department to bring the Street Smart VR Challenge vehicle to its open house on Oct.12. The Street Smart Safety Team connected with over 200 parents and children to educate about pedestrian, vehicle, and bicycle safety. Even the County Executive stopped by to learn about the impacts of the VR Challenge. Learn more at bestreetsmart.net.

Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.

MCDOT Begins Leaf Collection Nov. 11; Continues Through Mid-December

This fall, MCDOT will do two leaf vacuum collections on every district street through mid-December, weather permitting. Residents are asked to pile leaves near the street, but off the road. Avoid placing leaves on road shoulders, bike lanes and rain gardens to avoid disruption to traffic and safety. Learn more.