McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog to Test Whether Drivers Will Stop for Pedestrians

Monday, November 2, 2009, 10:30 a.m.

Intersection of Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road, Silver Spring

Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers, Department of Transportation Deputy Director Al Roshdieh, police officers, McGruff the crime dog and Sparky the fire dog will help test whether drivers stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. The operation will challenge drivers who are still failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks to see whether they will stop for something as visible as McGruff. Police officers will issue tickets to motorists who do not yield and Sparky will help officers distribute educational materials to pedestrians who do not observe safe walking rules.

This enforcement operation is being held during the Washington area’s fall Street Smart campaign and is part of Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett’s enhanced pedestrian safety enforcement efforts that are being funded with speed camera revenues.

Police Captain John Damskey, director of the Traffic Division, will be available to answer questions. 

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