Montgomery County, MD - - - Children
across the region are heading back to school and Fire Chief Steve Lohr is
asking all drivers to exercise extra caution and be alert as the school year
begins. “Safety is our top priority. With schools back in session, drivers
should allow extra time and be on the look-out for children at intersections
and in neighborhoods,” said Chief Lohr. “Additionally, as a matter of safety
and compliance with laws, drivers are reminded to put their cell phones down
and refrain from talking or texting while behind the wheel.”
For Drivers
·
Be alert and slow down. Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone
and never text while driving. Looking away
from the roadway for just two seconds doubles the chance of being involved in a
crash.
·
Passengers should wear a seat belt and/or ride in an age and
size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. Children of all ages are
safest when properly restrained in the backseat of a vehicle.
·
Exercise extra caution as you head out to work and be on the
lookout for school buses. Many bus routes or schedules change each year and you
may encounter a school bus or stop where you may have never seen one before.
·
Scan
between parked cars. Nearly 40 percent of child pedestrian fatalities occurred
between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., mostly at non-intersection locations,
according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Children can
quickly dart out between parked cars or other objects along the roadway.
Motorists should pay close attention not only at intersections, but along any
residential roadways where children could be present.
·
Take extra time when making a right turn on a red light and be
on the lookout for pedestrians.
·
School Zones: Slow down and be especially alert in residential
neighborhoods and around schools. Be alert to children as you back your vehicle
out of your driveway or exit your garage.
·
Expect delays near schools, plan ahead and allow extra time to
reach your destination.
·
Safety on the road is especially important for “new” drivers
that may be driving to school for the first time.
Reminders for Parents
and Children
·
Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Children are
not always aware of their surroundings and may dart into traffic assuming
drivers will see and stop for them. Carefully consider whether your child is
ready to walk to school or wait for the bus without adult supervision and walk
the route with your child beforehand.
·
Teach children to always cross the street at corners, using
traffic signals and crosswalks and look left, right and left again before
crossing. Children may have difficulty gauging the distance and speed
of an approaching car, and may not recognize and react to potentially hazardous
situations.
·
If traveling to school by bike, obey the rules of the road and
wear a helmet. Not only is it the smart thing to do, it is also the law in
Maryland.
·
Be sure that your child knows his or her phone number and
address, your work number and when to call 911 for emergencies.
·
Only drive or park in authorized areas when picking up or
dropping off students at school.
·
Be a good neighbor. Respect private property and always be on your
best behavior while waiting for the bus.
School
Bus Safety – What Motorists Should Know
All motorists are required by law to stop when the
red lights on buses are flashing. Passing
a school bus when the red lights are flashing is not only illegal it is also
one of the biggest threats to student safety. Motorists should be aware that
the red flashing lights and the stop sign may be engaged shortly after the
amber lights are on. Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are
always required to stop. In Maryland, the law states that vehicles must come to
a complete stop on both sides
of the roadway if there is no physical divider or barrier. Violations can
result in a citation and fine.
Home
Alone
Parents need to carefully consider the pros and cons of having a child stay
home alone before/after school. Be familiar with laws and child protective
policies in your jurisdiction and, because children mature at different rates,
your decision should not be based on age alone. Children should master important
safety skills before staying home alone. Be sure to make and practice a home
fire escape plan that includes a designated “safe” area outside where everyone
will meet if the smoke alarm sounds and ensure they know when and how to call
9-1-1 in an emergency. Unattended cooking continues to be the leading cause of
home fires in Montgomery County and firefighters strongly recommend having
after school snacks on hand that do not require cooking. Children should only
use kitchen appliances while under close adult supervision. Additional safety
tips can be found on our website at mcfrs.org/mcsafe.
For the law in Maryland
Section 5-801 provides:
(a) A
person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not
allow the child to be locked or confirmed in a dwelling, building, enclosure or
motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building,
enclosure or motor vehicle is out of the sight of the person charged unless the
person charged provides a reliable person at least 13 years old to remain with
the child to protect the child.
Montgomery County, MD - - - Children
across the region are heading back to school and Fire Chief Steve Lohr is
asking all drivers to exercise extra caution and be alert as the school year
begins. “Safety is our top priority. With schools back in session, drivers
should allow extra time and be on the look-out for children at intersections
and in neighborhoods,” said Chief Lohr. “Additionally, as a matter of safety
and compliance with laws, drivers are reminded to put their cell phones down
and refrain from talking or texting while behind the wheel.” 
“Prohibiting a driver of a motor vehicle that is in motion from using the driver's hands to use a handheld telephone except to initiate or terminate a wireless call or to turn on or off the handheld phone; providing that a violation of the Act may be enforced only as a secondary violation; establishing penalties of $40 for a first offense and $100 for a second offense; prohibiting a driver of a school vehicle or a holder of an instructional permit or provisional driver's license from using a handheld phone while driving; etc”. 
This year the haunted forest patrons will be greeted by a shocking visual display of what could happen in the event that you text and drive. In addition, volunteers from some of Montgomery County’s local fire and rescue departments are passing out “Don’t Text and Drive” flyers and talking with the patrons about opportunities to volunteer at the local departments. 
