November 26, 2013

New Parking Lot Safety Campaign Unveiled: Behind the Wheel or On Foot it’s “Heads Up!” in Lots and Garages



A Countywide public education campaign to address the growing number of pedestrian collisions occurring in parking lots and garages in Montgomery County has been unveiled by County Executive Ike Leggett.

In 2012, parking lot and garage collisions comprised nearly one-third of all pedestrian collisions in the County. Even more startling is the fact that of those collisions, nearly 20 percent resulted in severe, debilitating injuries -- the same percentage as road collisions. And, overall, 54 percent of the parking lot/garage collisions in 2012 resulted in some type of injury.



The campaign’s slogan, “Heads Up in Parking Lots,” features the message: “Don’t run over people. Don’t get run over.” The campaign consists of Ride On bus ads in English and Spanish; bus shelter ads aimed at pedestrians and drivers; posters in English and Spanish; safety tip cards in English and Spanish available at libraries, recreation and community centers, and stores; distribution of reusable shopping bags featuring a safety message; pavement decals at retail stores, and the 19 County parking garages and 21 County parking lots; two public service announcements: Heads Up in Parking Lots and Don’t run over people. Don’t get run over; and a new website featuring education materials in English and Spanish that can be downloaded and distributed to community, civic, religious and school groups.

Visit the website for more information.