As we gear up for the ghoulish gala that is Halloween, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation has some sage advice for residents looking to revel in the festivities while keeping safety at the forefront—because there's nothing spookier than a preventable accident. With trick-or-treaters set to swarm the streets and Daylight Saving Time bowing out, Montgomery County Department of Transportation advises extreme vigilance, especially on the roads, as reported by the Montgomery County.
The Halloween weekend promises a boom in pedestrian activity come October 31 and with the clocks dialing back an hour on November 2, visibility diminishes. Montgomery County Department of Transportation's cautionary call comes with good reason, given the uptick in foot traffic against the fading daylight, they urge drivers to slow their roll during the evening rush, ideally avoiding driving during prime candy-collection hours in favor of preserving neighborhood safety. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich underscored the importance of community effort in street safety during the holiday, "I want to encourage all residents to do their part to keep our streets safe for trick-or-treaters," he was quoted in a recent Montgomery County announcement.
The stakes are underscored by this year's grim tally of road fatalities in Montgomery County, which include a disproportionate number of pedestrians and bicyclists—a harsh reminder that revelry can quickly turn to tragedy. Montgomery County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin emphasized the shared responsibility of drivers, saying, "Halloween poses a higher risk for pedestrian crashes, and it’s every driver’s responsibility to ensure the safety of people walking and biking," pointing out the National Safety Council's startling statistic that children are likelier to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other day, as stated by the Montgomery County.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation reminds drivers to stay alert and avoid driving through neighborhoods while kids are out trick-or-treating. They also suggest children carry glowsticks or wear reflective gear to stay visible. To help keep the night safe, the Washington Region Alcohol Program (WRAP) is offering free Lyft rides (up to $15), according to the Montgomery County.
For families looking for daytime delights, Montgomery County Department of Transportation isn't missing a beat, partnering with Montgomery County Public Libraries to host Monster Flash events at local libraries and the HalloWheaton celebration. These festivities are a reminder that while Halloween is synonymous with scare, it's community and caution that keep the heart of the holiday beating. For anyone interested in more about Montgomery County Department of Transportation's initiatives and Halloween happenings, details are a click away on their website or through social media updates and the "Go Montgomery!" newsletter, as per the Montgomery County.
