Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation and Montgomery County Public Schools will be hosting the first “Virtual Safety Week” for elementary and middle school students and their families next week.
The weeklong free event is from Monday, May 4 at 8 a.m. to Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m. The event was developed to emphasize safety in all forms of travel, according to the county.
The week includes at home activities, video demonstrations, raffles and giveaways. Students are encouraged to participate and submit their completed activities to be considered for prizes and recognition from Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m. through Sunday, May 10 at 5 p.m., according to the county.
Change up the daily routine with new activities for little ones. Virtual Safety Week starts Monday, May 4! #ActivitiesForKids
Follow our page for free daily home safety activities and information. #MoCoSafetyWeek pic.twitter.com/ZpyCie6pRM
— Safe Routes to School (@MOCOSRTS) April 22, 2020
MCDOT and MCPS are aiming to remind students and parents about the importance of pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic safety. Students can choose from different daily activities and will have an online calendar available to track their progress. They can submit at least one activity and a completed calendar at the end of the week, according to the county.
The first 20 submissions received will win a $15 amazon gift card. MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School’s zebra mascot, Zeal, will pick winners for six more prizes from a raffle that includes all the participants who submitted completed activities. The prize winners will be announced on Monday, May 11 at 11 a.m.
The safety week is part of the county’s Vision Zero initiative to end traffic related deaths by 2030. Vision Zero is a proven approach to preventing traffic related deaths and injuries, according to the county.
“Building a culture of safety in Montgomery County starts with our kids,” said Wade Holland, the County’s Vision Zero coordinator. “Virtual Safety Week provides the perfect opportunity for kids and parents to interact, learn new skills and talk about safety—while staying at home.”
Virtual Safety Week activities include a Safety Bingo, Safety Maze, Scavenger Hunt, Spot the Difference and Safety Pledge.
