Campaigns Unveiled to Promote Safety for Pedestrians, Drivers and Shoppers during Holiday Season

Two education campaigns to improve public safety by encouraging residents to look out for each other during the busy holiday shopping season have been announced by Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and Police Chief J. Thomas Manger. Joining them for the announcement was Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers.

The seasonal change back to standard time, typically associated with a rise in pedestrian collisions, combined with increases in both pedestrian and vehicular traffic on roads and in parking lots, make this time of year especially challenging for drivers, pedestrians and shoppers.

To try to reduce collisions and raise awareness, a new Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) pedestrian safety campaign features bus posters showing the eyes of two County students with the slogan, “Hey You, I’m Looking at You.”  The campaign focuses attention on two of the most important factors in reducing crashes – visibility of pedestrians and vigilance by drivers.  

Chief Manger also announced the annual “Shop with a Cop” campaign. Now through December 23, officers in all six Montgomery County police districts will patrol retail areas to provide extra security and remind shoppers to drive and walk safe -- especially in parking lots.

Officers will distribute about 5,000 reusable shopping bags, funded by MCDOT, featuring the “Eyes” campaign photos to remind drivers and pedestrians to watch out for one another. 

See more about both campaigns, including a list of “Shop with a Cop” locations.