Use Extreme Caution When Driving and Walking

Montgomery County officials are urging residents to use extreme caution when driving and walking, since visibility is still limited by large snow banks, and some sidewalks are still hidden under mounds of ice and snow.


- Drivers should watch for pedestrians in the roadway, particularly at night when visibility is more difficult. Other safety tips for drivers include:

- Slow down and obey the posted speed limit.

- Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections- it's the law ( http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/DOT/dir/pedsafety/documents/md_ped_law.pdf )

- Don't block crosswalks when stopping at intersections.

- Take extra care around schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods.

- Always look out for pedestrians, especially before turning at a green light or making a "right turn on red."

- Obey signs, signals and markings--and never run red lights.

- Be careful when passing stopped vehicles. They might be stopping for pedestrians.

- Share the road. It is your responsibility to look out for others.

Pedestrians who have to walk in the street because there may not be an accessible sidewalk following the past week’s record-breaking snowfall should walk facing traffic so they can see the vehicles coming toward them. Other pedestrian safety tips include:

- Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with reflectors or retroreflective clothing.

- Cross the street at marked crosswalks and intersections whenever possible.

- Stop and look every time before crossing streets, even when you have the right-of-way, and especially at intersections with “right turn on red.”

- Before crossing, look left, right, then left again, and over your shoulder for turning vehicles.

- Begin crossing the street on “Walk” signals – never on a solid or flashing “Don’t Walk.”