Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 4, 2021
The fall and winter months bring less daylight and increase the risk for people walking. The adjustments that must be made at twilight during Eastern Standard Time can lead to more crashes between car drivers and pedestrians, with two-thirds of all fatal pedestrian injuries occurring between dusk and dawn. Montgomery County’s Vision Zero program is making investments to make roads safer and encouraging everyone to take simple steps to exercise caution and obey traffic laws.
“We all have an important role to play in keeping our roadways safe this fall and winter,” said Vision Zero Coordinator Wade Holland. “The County Government is making it safer for people to walk and bike through upgrades to streetlights, new signals and beacons to stop drivers when pedestrians are crossing and painting high visibility crosswalks. However, new infrastructure alone is not enough. We all need to prioritize safety as we travel. That means obeying the speed limit, never getting behind the wheel impaired and waiting for the signal whether we are driving, biking or walking. For those choosing to endanger themselves and others on the road, Montgomery County Police will be out issuing tickets.”
To curb the dangers of less daylight and increased alcohol consumption during the fall and winter holidays, the County is advancing pedestrian safety projects and stepped-up enforcement across the County:
- MCDOT will spend $9.72 million over the next six years for evaluating and enhancing streetlighting across the County through streetlight maintenance and adding fill-in street lighting.
- MCDOT and the State Highway Administration have installed over 30 new traffic signals and beacons in the past three years to create more protection for people crossing the street. In August, MCDOT installed three pedestrian hybrid beacons along Bel Pre Road in Aspen Hill and currently installing two pedestrian hybrid beacons on Fenton Street at Roeder Road and the exit from the Whole Foods/CVS entrance in Silver Spring.
- Montgomery County Police are performing high visibility enforcement patrols across all six police districts with an emphasis on stopping impaired drivers, drivers not yielding to pedestrians, speeding and drivers not wearing seatbelts throughout November.
- Montgomery County and its regional partners sponsor the Fall Street Smart Campaign that shares educational messages and gripping stories told by those whose lives have been shattered by a preventable mistake on area roadways.
Do your part to save lives on our roads:
- Plan a sober ride home before you head out.
- Drivers must yield to people crossing in the crosswalk.
- Drivers must obey the posted speed limit.
- Pedestrians must wait for the walk signal before crossing.
- Put away your mobile device while traveling.
For more information on the County’s Vision Zero Initiative, go to https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/visionzero/index.html
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
