Montgomery County's Response to Continued Pedestrian and Traffic Accidents

By Kate Mason

Recently, car accidents in Montgomery County have reached an all-time high. There have been various fatal crashes around the county, and it has influenced many people to finally take action. Citizens have come together with a shared mindset for making the streets safer and encouraging drivers to be held accountable for their actions. 

An accident occurred on University Boulevard, about half a mile away from Albert Einstein High School, where a 16-year-old student from Wheaton High School was struck and killed while crossing the street. The driver only had a permit and was driving without supervision in an SUV. The damage from the crash was too extensive, and first responders pronounced the teenager dead on the scene. This street is consistently busy and commonly sped on. As a result of this accident, law enforcement installed a new speed camera on that road and are holding a strict speeding limit where one’s fine is increased based on how much faster the driver was going. 

“I think it is important to continue looking for solutions to stop people from driving irresponsibly and speeding. The new additions of speed cameras are a great idea, but I would go further as to adding more crossing guards in busy intersections and crosswalks,” said senior Aelis Miller.

Additionally, another accident happened on Viers Mill, where a 52-year-old woman died from a hit-and-run. She was transported to Suburban Hospital, where she died from the irreversible injuries. This resulted in the addition of many “No Turn on Red” signs in busy areas where people will be fined $90 for violating. 

With all the new rules and speed cameras being implemented, legal action was officially taken on Oct. 1, with the state law that will replace the $40 speed-camera fine for drivers traveling 12 or more miles per hour over the posted speed limit with a graduated fine schedule. According to a county government social media post, “The faster you go, the higher the fine.” 

“The new cameras are a great idea to stop speeding and promote safe driving in our community,” senior EJ Perez said. As accidents continue to occur, it is vitally important to take action and prevent losses. 

Citizens of Montgomery County have partaken in various efforts to spread awareness and make a change. The advocacy group Montgomery County Families for Safe Streets (MoCoFSS) has grown in popularity and created a community for survivors and the families of victims. This website shares personal stories of people in the community, as well as resources to educate people about local bills and project implementations. One specific initiative Montgomery County has taken is establishing a Vision Zero Plan. This plan relies on the resources from the county to eliminate serious injury and fatal collisions on the county’s streets.