New data is showing that Maryland recorded a decline in road-related deaths in 2026, despite the state reporting 10 such fatalities in just one week alone this month.
Latest crash figures released by the state's Highway Safety Office show Maryland reported a total of 258 fatalities in all of 2025. In 2026, however, the state recorded just 218 deaths to date.
Between 2019 and 2023, findings showed alcohol and drug usage, distracted driving, and speeding were the top three causes for road deaths. The highest tallies traced back to Baltimore, Prince George's and Montgomery counties.
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Over the five years, alcohol and drug use accounted for an average of 142 fatalities, distracted driving for 210 deaths, and speeding for 91.
Of the Old Line State's more than 20 counties, Montgomery, Prince George's and Baltimore are considered the three most populous.
Five-year averages indicate most distracted driving cases were recorded toward the end of the week between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.
A total of 663 fatal crash cases from 2019 to 2023 involved a pedestrian traveling on foot, whereas 70 incidents were tied to cyclists.
The latest figures come after Maryland announced the start of its "Slow the Fast Down" campaign at the start of the month, which Gov. Wes Moore hailed as a way to "cut through the noise" and "get people's attention."
A full account of the road crashes can be found online.
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