County Residents Can Boost Visibility for Halloween

Montgomery County residents who plan on trick-or-treating on Halloween can borrow a reflective vest from the Maryland State Highway Administration as part of the “Vests for Visibility” program.

The vests are designed to be worn over clothing and help drivers see pedestrians who will be out and about on Halloween.

“Whether you’re out trick or treating with your kids, or driving on the roads, SHA encourages you to stay alert and follow the rules of the road, on Halloween and every day,” Melinda B. Peters, SHA administrator, said in a press release. “Please feel free to borrow one of the vests and be sure to remind your loved ones to walk and drive safely.”

Vests are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. They can be picked up between Wednesday, Oct. 29, and Friday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at State Highway Administration maintenance facilities.

Locations for pickup in the county are:

• Fairland Shop: 12020 Plumorchard Dr., Silver Spring. 301-572-5166
• Gaithersburg Shop: 502 Quince Orchard Rd. 301-948-2477

The Maryland State Highway Administration has also shared tips for drivers and pedestrians for Halloween.

FOR DRIVERS:

• Stop for pedestrians - Maryland law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and intersections.
• Stay alert - park the mobile phone.
• Obey the speed limit. Speeding only makes it more difficult to stop suddenly.
• Motorists should be more cautious during peak trick-or-treating hours between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Enter and exit driveways slowly. Use caution when turning at intersections.
• Be alert for children darting across the street and crossing between parked cars.
• When driving children to and from different activities, make sure all seat belts are fastened and let children out of the car on the curbside.
• Never drink and drive. Designate a sober driver.

FOR PEDESTRIANS:

• Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
• Cross at crosswalks or intersections.
• Be sure to see and be seen. Avoid dark clothing, carry a flashlight, wear bright colors and use reflective devices such as vests and blinking lights.
• Avoid costumes that may impair vision.
• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street.
• Stay alert and be on the lookout for cars traveling above the speed limit.

>>Photo courtesy of Maryland State Highway Administration

===========

Have a news tip? Email deb.belt@patch.com. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following these directions. Curious about how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.