Several roads in and around Kentlands and Lakelands were closed on July 29 – 30 in order for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to film a video focused on the driving habits of mature drivers.
“The Police Department was asked by the NHTSA to help them with a video that they were filming in the county,” said Montgomery County Police Capt. Thomas Didone. “The video is a small-scale production, and the goal of the venture is to provide information on driving with illnesses that are primarily associated with older drivers.”
On July 29, the intersection of Great Seneca Highway and Richter Farm Road was closed for filming, and on July 30, several neighborhood intersections were closed in the Kentlands and Lakelands communities including, Booth Street and Hart Road, Kent Square Road and Inspiration Lane, and Main Street at Lakelands Park.
“The roads were only closed for a short period of time,” Didone said.
“This video is part of our continuing effort to make sure everyone is safe. It will help the public be more aware and alert to traffic safety,” said Jose Ucles, media specialist with NHTSA.
While the video will be used to train law enforcement to better deal with challenges faced by older drivers, it will also be available to the general public through the NHTSA website.
“Our website includes information on teen drivers, driving under the influence, speaking with elderly parents about driving, and many other topics. This video will be another piece to add to our collection,” Ucles said.
The video will focus on general rules of the road, including how to stop at red lights, how to make safe turns, and the laws surrounding right of way.
The video will go through an approval and editing process before being posted on the NHTSA website.