Montgomery County High School Students Become ‘Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors’ to Help Make Roadways Safer

MCDOT held the Vision Zero Youth Ambassadors Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, June 11. Speakers included MCDOT Director Chris Conklin, Montgomery County Police Department Sargent Jeremy Smalley, Montgomery County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Avan Browning, and Vision Zero Coordinator Wade Holland.

Ambassadors served as youth keynote speakers and presented to parents and community leaders their plans, outcomes and best practices at an in-person graduation ceremony at the Public Safety Headquarters. Ambassadors received certificates and earned up to 20 SSL hours. 

Youth Ambassadors were tasked to complete group projects that encompass engineering, education or enforcement topics. Resources and project guidance were provided by MCDOT to execute projects that will ultimately improve the safety of County residents. Students joined one of five project teams: 

• Students created a framework for conducting a safety walk to educate the public about pedestrian safety and explain the significance of learning more about safety while walking.
• Students created a plan for a virtual middle and high school Art/Writing contest promoting safe driving.
• Students created a plan for a walking audit to observe the safety behaviors of students around their four schools for recommendations for pedestrian improvements.
• Students created a youth-centered road safety week educational toolkit to be distributed throughout the county to middle and high schools. Schools will be equipped next school year to mobilize students to make safe decisions as youth road users. 
• Students created a survey to gather student feedback on how safe students feel at school, in terms of road safety.

The next opportunity for high school students to apply to the program will be in Spring 2023.

Learn more about Vision Zero here and follow @VisionZeroMC on Twitter for ongoing updates on the Vision Zero effort in Montgomery County. 

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.

MCDOT Offers Tips for a Safe Halloween

 

Ensure that trick or treaters have a safe and fun Halloween by sharing these safety tips:

• Always use the crosswalk
• Cross with the “walk” Symbol
• Make eye contact with drivers
• Walk without texting
• Look for cars in all directions before crossing
• Wear BRIGHT at NIGHT

Be SAFE…Be SEEN on Halloween!

MCDOT Asked to Join Safe Routes to School National Partnership Local Leaders Advisory Committee

MCDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator Nadji Kirby was one of 20 people chosen from around the country to be a member of the Safe Routes to School National Partnership Local Leaders Advisory Committee.  Read more.

Emergency Preparedness in Your Community

The County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will be making presentations at library branches throughout the County on preparing for disasters.  During the presentations, staff will discuss some of the major hazards that Montgomery County faces and some specific steps that residents can take to prepare, including developing a plan and creating an emergency kit.  The presentations are free but require registration. Register now. 

Montgomery County's Ride On Encourages Kids to Use Transit

An article in the December issue of Washington Parent magazine encourages kids to use transit and features Montgomery County’s Ride On bus system. Kids (those 18 years of age or younger) ride free on Ride On Monday through Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. Those under five years of age ride free anytime when accompanied by a paying passenger. In addition, Ride On offers a Youth Pass for $11 a month that provides unlimited rides. In the summer, the Summer Youth Pass for only $18 is an even better bargain – with the pass, kids get unlimited rides in June, July and August. See the full article in Washington Parent and learn more online about Ride On’s special fares for kids.

MCDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator Organizing Upcoming Pedestrian and Bike Safety Events

Students learning crosswalk safety

Nadji Kirby, MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator with the Division of Traffic Engineering and Operations, is working with Montgomery County Public Schools, AAA Mid-Atlantic and the Montgomery County Police Department to organize school-based activities to promote safe walking and biking over the next few weeks.

The activities include:

An “Otto the Auto” presentation at Sherwood Elementary School by AAA Mid-Atlantic.  Otto is a three-foot-tall, remote-controlled, talking car that engages children in fun and memorable traffic safety exercises. Otto stresses the importance of pedestrian safety, bike safety, buckling seat belts, and sitting in child safety seats. 

A Crosswalk Simulation training by Kirby at Sligo Creek Elementary School for five kindergarten classes that teaches kids how to cross the street safely.

Bike rodeos conducted by the Physical Education teacher at Oakview Elementary School. 

Learn more about Safe Routes to School.

Walk to School Day is October 5

To celebrate International Walk to School Day, County Executive Ike Leggett, County Councilmembers Sidney Katz and Craig Rice, Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jack Smith and MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh will join students, parents and community leaders as they walk to Whetstone Elementary School. Participants will meet at 8:30 a.m. at Centerway Park to start the walk and then gather at the school at 9:20 a.m. for a ceremony. Read more.

Follow These Tips for a Summer of Safety

Montgomery County has put together safety advice from A to Z to make sure everyone has a great summer! Check out the driver, pedestrian and cyclist tips – and lots more online.

Free Bikeshare Rides Available on July 16-17

Try Bikeshare for free all weekend on Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17 courtesy of REI and Capital Bikeshare, who have partnered to provide free, 24-hour memberships. Request your free ride code.

AAA Reveals Top Driving Distractions for Teens

(From AAA News Room) Over the past five years, more than 5,000 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period starting at Memorial Day when teen crash deaths historically climb. As the summer driving season begins, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a follow-up study confirming that nearly 60 percent of teen crashes involve distractions behind the wheel. The research also finds a disturbing trend showing that texting and social media use are on the rise among teen drivers. Read more.

Become an Adopt a Road or Adopt a Spot Volunteer

Join hundreds of volunteers who keep our roadways and parks free of litter by participating in the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Adopt A Road (AAR) and Adopt A Spot (AAS) programs. Read more.

MCDOT Celebrated Bike to School Day on May 4

Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) joined communities throughout the nation in celebrating Bike to School Day on May 4.  The event builds on the popularity of Walk to School Day and encourages kids to safely bike or walk to school.

This year, MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator Nadji Kirby worked with the Takoma Park Safe Routes to School Coordinator Lucy Neher and Safe Kids to provide bike helmets and do a bicycle helmet safety check and fitting for children participating in the event at Piney Branch Elementary School. Kids on their bikes or scooters met in the parking lot of Franklin Apartments and after the safety check, rode to school. Staff held a raffle and distributed prizes, including bike locks and bike lights. About 70 children participated this year.

Other schools in the County also celebrated Bike to School Day, including Bells Mill Elementary School, which prepared with a week-long bike rodeo during its physical education classes. MCDOT provided Cold Spring Elementary School with bike helmets for its raffle along with other items for those who rode on Bike to School Day. Takoma Park Middle School provided incentive items to participants.

More information about the annual Bike to School Day is available online. Note: Not all Montgomery County schools that participate in Bike to School Day register on the national website.

Celebrate Bike to School Day on May 4

Bike to School Day is an annual event that encourages children to safely bicycle or walk to school. The event builds on the popularity of Walk to School Day, which is celebrated across the country – and the world – each October. Learn more.

Did You Know that Ride On is Free for Montgomery College Students and Kids and Seniors at Certain Times of the Day?

Montgomery College students can ride Ride On for free anytime by showing the driver a valid student identification card with a current semester sticker. Express routes may require an additional fee.

With a Youth Cruiser SmarTrip® card, those ages five through 18 have some great options for getting inexpensive and free rides. Kids ride free on Ride On from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition, youth get unlimited rides for only $11/month. See details.

Seniors age 65 years or older with a valid Metro Senior ID Card or Medicare Card and Photo ID ride free on Ride On from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Persons with a disability and a Metro Disabled Identification Card also ride free from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday and attendants either ride free or pay half fare, depending on the time and day.

More information about Ride On fares is available online.

Roshdieh Joins High School Artists in Unveiling “Knee Wall” Mosaics at County Bus Stops

As other student artists look on, Joanna Vigil-Coello talks about her knee wall mosaic "Furry Ball at an event with
MCDOT Acting Director, Al Roshdieh (far right)

On January 12, Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Acting Director Al Roshdieh joined Arts on the Block Director Jan Goldstein and student artists from Rockville, Wheaton, and Richard Montgomery high schools in unveiling one of 20 mosaic designs installed on the “knee walls” of County bus stops – located at Hungerford Drive and Jefferson Avenue in Rockville. Read more.

This Knee wall mosaic is called Furry Ball and provides seating for those waiting for the bus.

Each Knee wall features a plaque with the student's name and title of their artwork.

Senior Connection Holds Monthly New Volunteer Training in 2016

Senior Connection volunteers provide a variety of services so that Montgomery County seniors can remain independent and stay in their own homes. Volunteers drive senior clients to medical and other appointments, help with grocery shopping and assist with monthly bill paying. Volunteers can schedule their service to suit their own schedules. Volunteers receive liability coverage.  New volunteer training is offered every month. 

In January, trainings are scheduled for Wednesday, January 13 at 10 a.m. and Wednesday, January 20 at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Park Senior Center located at 3950 Ferrara Drive in Silver Spring. 

Get more information and RSVP online or by calling 301-942-1049.

For more information about services or to volunteer, go to www.seniorconnectionmc.org or call 301-962-0820.

County’s “Tree Montgomery” Program Provided Hundreds of Free Shade Trees to Residents

Tree Montgomery, an initiative of the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), offers free shade trees to single-family homeowners, businesses, multi-family properties, and homeowner associations (except in Rockville and Gaithersburg). DEP provides trees that are 10 to 12 feet tall that will eventually grow to more than 50 feet when fully mature. DEP cares for the trees for two years, including watering and pruning.

The program was designed to increase the number of trees in the County and raise awareness of their benefits. Trees improve watersheds by reducing sediment and other pollutants that flow into streams, improve air quality, and provide a more aesthetic environment. The program began in the spring. 

For more information or to request a free shade tree, visit TreeMontgomery.org. 

MCDOT, MCPD and MCPS Brief the County Council on the County’s Youth Pedestrian Safety Programs

On November 17, the County Council invited County agencies responsible for youth pedestrian safety and school transportation to present an update on their activities. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) presented information about its successful Safe Routes to School program and YOLO campaign for high school students; Montgomery County Police (MCPD) presented information on the work of its School Safety Section and Crossing Guard Program; and Montgomery CountyPublic Schools (MCPS) discussed its transportation programs to get students safely to and from school. 

View the presentation below:

Regional Street Smart Campaign Offers Tips to Drivers, Pedestrians and Bicyclists on Staying Safe

The region's Street Smart safety campaign is offering tips for staying safe this fall and winter. Every year, crashes involving pedestrians spike during October, November and December. One of the major reasons for the increased risk is fewer hours of daylight.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 72 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur in darkness. That’s why everyone is reminded – drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists – to be more alert and obey traffic safety laws.

What should you do to stay safe?

• If you’re driving, slow down and yield to people in crosswalks.
• If you’re biking, obey signs and signals and ride in the direction of traffic.
• If you’re walking, cross in the crosswalk and wait for the walk signal.
• Fines for violating traffic safety laws can range from $40 to $500.

What should drivers do to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe?

• Slow down, obey the speed limit, and watch out for people walking and biking.
• Stop for people in crosswalks.
• Check and recheck for pedestrians, especially before you make a turn.
• Give bicyclists room to ride – allow at least three feet when passing – it’s the law.

What should people be aware of when they are walking from place to place?

• Cross the street at crosswalks and wait for the “walk” signal.
• Watch for turning cars at intersections.
• Make eye contact with drivers before you cross in front of them.
• Wear something bright or reflective when it’s dark outside.

What about bicyclists?

• Be predictable and obey signs and signals.
• Ride in the direction of traffic.
• Wear a helmet and use lights at night.

Safety tips, campaign details and more information about the Street Smart program are available online at BeStreetSmart.net.