557 Fatalities On Maryland Highways In 2021, Report Finds

MARYLAND — While states across the country experienced an increase in roadway fatalities last year, Maryland saw a three percent decrease.

Yet despite the drop in highway fatalities, officials said Maryland still saw an "unacceptable" number of crashes – 519 – resulting in 557 fatalities, including 129 pedestrians and six bicyclists.

“We have the ability, and the responsibility, to stop these needless tragedies," Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. said during a news conference “Today, I challenge every person – every driver, passenger, motorcyclist, pedestrian, bicyclist – every single person who uses our roadways. Let's work together to bring the number of fatalities on Maryland roads to zero."

According to a recent "Road Safety Attitudes and Behavior" survey conducted by WBA Research on behalf of MDOT, the majority of Maryland road users across all regions and demographic groups consider unsafe driving — 93 percent —a major problem.

Superintendent Col. Jones with Maryland State Police said impaired driving, speeding, distracted and aggressive driving are all major factors contributing to the state's traffic fatalities.

The survey also found that:

• About 41% of Maryland drivers surveyed admitted to frequently or sometimes driving 15 MPH or more over the speed limit on a highway
• 57% of respondents said they don't feel comfortable walking along or crossing roadways. However, 37% said they always utilize a crosswalk when available.
• 5% of drivers surveyed admitted to not wearing their seat belt when sitting in the front seat of the car.
• 76% of cyclists who bike along roadways indicated in the survey that they follow the same rules of the road that they would in a car.
• More than 3% of those surveyed admitted to driving impaired in the past 30 days.

State officials met Monday to develop steps for Maryland's Strategic Highway Safety Plan, a five-year program with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030.

“Every year, we make the tragic announcement of the number of people who have lost their life due to preventable crashes on our roadways," said MDOT Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Larry Hogan's Highway Safety Representative. “We are committed to zero deaths through a variety of strategies, but it's up to each of us to be a responsible road user every time we get in a vehicle by wearing a seat belt, slowing down, driving sober, staying focused and sharing the road with pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists."

As of April 4, there have been 134 reported fatalities on Maryland roadways in 2022, according to Zero Deaths Maryland.