MCDOT to Kickoff Training of 30 High School ‘Vision Zero Youth Ambassador’ Students Who Will Help Make Roadways Safer

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 11, 2021

On Saturday, March 13, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) in partnership with the National Organization for Youth Safety (NOYS) will host its virtual kickoff for the Vision Zero Youth Ambassador Program. MCDOT Director Chris Conklin will greet students and press home the importance of roadway safety. Guest speaker and County Councilmember Evan Glass will present on how to cross the street safely and best safety practices for new drivers. MCDOT’s Youth Ambassadors will help the County achieve its Vision Zero goals by becoming road safety leaders in their communities. The County’s Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate traffic-related severe injuries and deaths.

MCDOT will train the 30 Ambassadors on road safety and helping to develop effective safety campaigns. The Ambassadors will also participate in public speaking opportunities. Students will learn to:

• Explain the issues facing youth on roadways;
• Demonstrate action steps youth can take to stay safe; and
• Showcase essential skills in communications to become involved in campaign development and adapt to leadership positions.

During the program, Youth Ambassadors will create and execute a safety campaign, chart the results of their plan and present it at their school or in their communities. At a virtual closing event in June, which will include attendees and special guests, Ambassadors will share their plans, outcomes and best practices in road safety.

For the first time, students will be eligible to earn up to 30 Student Service Learning hours for their participation. This year, MCDOT received more than 100 applications to be a Vision Zero Youth Ambassador – a new record for the program.

Learn more about Vision Zero here and follow @VisionZeroMC for ongoing updates on the Vision Zero effort in Montgomery County.

For transportation updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, subscribe to MCDOT news releases or subscribe to MCDOT’s ‘Go Montgomery!’ newsletter. 

Release ID: 21-028
Media Contact: Hannah Henn 240-777-8389