The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is encouraging drivers to use extra caution during Halloween weekend, when many children and families will be out trick-or-treating after dark.
“Halloween weekend will bring many children and families out on the streets after dark for trick-or-treating, and I am asking all residents to do their part to keep everyone safe,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We urge all drivers to slow down, stay off their phones, and remain extra alert in residential neighborhoods. Let’s work together to ensure that everyone has a memorable evening and returns home safely.”
Children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on other days of the year, according to the National Safety Council.
“The coming weekend poses an increased risk for serious and fatal collisions, with children out trick-or-treating, and adults traveling to and from Halloween celebrations,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “If you are planning to consume alcohol, arrange for a safe ride home. If you are driving, stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly at night. With daylight saving time ending Sunday, it will get dark earlier, making it even more important for drivers to watch for pedestrians.”
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Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, when clocks move back one hour. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night.
- MCDOT offers the following safety tips:
- Avoid driving through neighborhoods during trick-or-treating hours. If you must drive, slow down and be prepared to stop suddenly.
- Use extra caution when turning into driveways or backing out.
- Ensure children carry glow sticks, flashlights, or wear reflective materials on their costumes to make them more visible to drivers.
- If you see a driver who appears to be impaired, call 911 to report it.
Cross streets at intersections or marked crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing.
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s (WRAP) SoberRide program will offer a limited number of codes for a FREE Lyft ride home (up to $15) on Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. The codes will be released to the public at 9 p.m. each day on the program website at wrap.org/soberride.
For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.
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Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282
Read the original article at mcdot
