Zombies and ghosts and gremlins – Oh my! On Friday, Oct. 31, All Hallows Eve will cause witches and wizards, as well as Cinderellas and princes to crowd the streets in search of candy corn and lollipops. As parents, guardians and neighbors prepare for out stretched arms and anxious hands, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration is preparing to keep busy feet in plain sight and safe with the Vests for Visibility program.
Vests for Visibility lends safety vests to parents or guardians – free of charge. The vests can be placed over children’s costumes, or it can be the costume along with a hard hat, a pair of jeans, a white t-shirt, and boots. The vests will be available in most counties at many SHA Maintenance shops on Wednesday, Oct. 29; Thursday, Oct.30 and Friday, Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. Reflective vests will be issued on a first come, first served basis. Vests must be returned by Friday, Nov. 7.
“There is nothing more frightening than a bump in the night that involves a car and a pedestrian,” said SHA Administrator and Governor’s Highway Safety Representative Neil J. Pedersen. “We urge everyone to Choose Safety for Life this Halloween. Pedestrians must stay visible, cross at crosswalks and intersections, while drivers must remain alcohol-free, obey speed limits and remain vigilant for pedestrians.
Every day in Maryland, there are at least 276 crashes, 161 injuries and at least one death. SHA encourages everyone to B-SAFE: Buckle up, slow down, always drive sober, focus, and everyone share the road.
2008 Vests for Visibility Participating SHA Maintenance Shops:
Calvert County
Prince Frederick Shop
MD 231 at MD 2/4
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
(410) 535-1748
Charles County
LaPlata Shop
Washington Ave
LaPlata, MD 20646
(301) 934-8031
St. Mary’s County does not have a participating SHA Maintenance Shop, residents mayb pick vests up at either Calvert or Charles locations.
