Highway Safety Grants Awarded To Montgomery, Prince George's Counties

MARYLAND — More than $13 million in federal and state highway safety grants will be disbursed to more than 90 organizations across Maryland, including over $150,000 to the Montgomery County Police Department and over $200,000 to the Prince George’s County Police Department, Gov. Larry Hogan announced Monday.

The safety grants are part of a statewide focus on the prevention of motor vehicle crashes and the reduction of fatalities. The state funds were disbursed at the start of the fiscal year, and the federal funds will be distributed Oct. 1 by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office.

More than 90 organizations, agencies, and programs across Maryland will receive funds.

“Since the beginning of our administration, we have worked to ensure safety on our highways through innovative projects and partnerships,” Hogan said in a statement. “These grants will continue to help reduce crashes and fatalities all across the state and ensure highway safety remains a top priority.”

In Montgomery County, the police department will receive $151,258 in highway safety grants and the sheriff’s office will receive $10,000.

In Prince George’s County, the police department will receive $205,008 and the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation will receive $34,500.

In 2021, there were 562 traffic deaths on Maryland roadways, including 131 pedestrians and six bicyclists. Those figures are a decrease from 2020 when Maryland had 573 fatalities, including 138 pedestrians and 15 bicyclists.

Police across the state continue to report that speed, impairment, and inadequate or improper seat belt use are the most common contributing factors in motor vehicle fatalities.

The highway safety funds will be used for initiatives to increase the use of seat belts in all seats; prevent impaired, aggressive, and distracted driving; increase safety for pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists; support police training for highway safety and traffic enforcement; and fund overtime enforcement of Maryland’s traffic laws.

RELATED: Memorial Bike Ride, Ghost Bike Installation Honor Bethesda Resident