FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sonji Joyner
Communications and Marketing Manager
joynersr@pgcc.edu
Prince George's County Partners with Prince George's Community College to Host "Lives Shatter on Impact" Testimonial Wall Exhibit for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
LARGO, Md. (April 18, 2023) – The Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) and Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) Department of Public Safety are hosting the Street Smart “Lives Shatter on Impact” Testimonial Wall exhibit on Prince George’s Community College’s (PGCC) Largo campus on April 18-19, 2023. This is the latest event under the Vision Zero Prince George’s initiative to eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries on County roadways by 2040.
The Testimonial Wall exhibit — which displays information in both English and Spanish languages — tells stories of traffic victims from the local region and provides tips on safe road use while driving, biking, or walking. Visitors will also learn about the Vision Zero Prince George's initiative and how they can get involved. This is the second year in a row DPW&T will be partnering with PGCC to host the exhibit.
“This National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we hope the personal stories and safe road practices of the Testimonial Wall exhibit make drivers and other road users more aware of the critical role they play in making our streets safer for everyone,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cell phone use — “specifically, texting, talking, and social media use”— is the most common distraction.
“We are continuing to improve the safety of our roadways, and we couple these efforts with key traffic safety messaging,” said DPW&T Director Michael Johnson. “Whether you are driving, biking, motorcycling, walking, or rolling, put away distractions. Be alert, look out for others, and focus on your surroundings.”
Street Smart is a regional bicycle and pedestrian safety campaign by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). In the past, the Testimonial Wall exhibit has been displayed at Union Station, the Mall at Prince George’s, Tanger Outlets, Westfield Wheaton, Pentagon City Mall, and DCUSA Shopping Center in Washington, D.C.
Visitors are invited to view the exhibit, take a survey on the exhibit’s effectiveness, and take the Vision Zero Safety Pledge.
To learn more about Vision Zero Prince George's — including resources and statistics detailing pedestrian, vehicle, and bicycle accidents, and a listing of roadway safety projects in Prince George's County — please click here.
Take the Vision Zero Safety Pledge today, and learn more about National Distracted Driving Month and the Street Smart campaign.
WHAT: Street Smart “Lives Shatter on Impact” Testimonial Wall exhibit
WHEN: April 18-19, 2023
WHERE: Prince George’s Community College's Main Campus – 301 Largo Rd., Largo, MD 20774
WHO: Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation, Prince George’s Community College, and Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
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About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022-2027), Prince George's Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George's County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George's County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands.
For more information, visit the College website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George's Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.