MD Pedestrian Deaths Increase While Crash Deaths Drop In 2018

LINTHICUM, MD — While fewer people riding in vehicles died on Maryland roads in 2018, more pedestrians were killed last year than in the previous year, according to data released this week by the Maryland Department of Transportation. Last year 511 people lost their lives in vehicle crashes across Maryland, which was an 8.5 percent drop in fatalities compared to 2017, when 558 people were killed. The 2018 figures were also lower than the 2016 number of 522 traffic deaths.

“While this decrease in fatalities is a step in the right direction, 511 people were taken from their families, friends and communities,” said MDOT Deputy Secretary Ports. “Every death on our roadways is preventable.”

Each year, the primary causes of injuries and fatalities on Maryland roads are failing to wear a seat belt, impaired driving, speeding and distraction, authorities said.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are most vulnerable on Maryland roads. In 2018, 133 pedestrians and six bicyclists were killed, compared to 117 pedestrians and 11 bicyclists in 2017.

Transportation officials said pedestrians need to be vigilant on Maryland’s highways and rail facilities. “As police, one of the most difficult things to do is to look into someone’s eyes and tell them that their loved one was just killed in a crash,” said Maryland Transportation Authority Police Chief Col. Jerry Jones Jones. “We write tickets hoping to keep you from getting that knock on your door.”

Maryland's Strategic Highway Safety Plan is a five-year program with the goal of cutting the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries in half by 2030. The plan provides a framework to address major areas of traffic safety: aggressive, impaired and distracted driving, highway infrastructure, seat belt use, and pedestrian and bicyclist safety. The four Es – education, engineering, enforcement and emergency medical services – are the foundation of these lifesaving efforts.

“It is important that we look beyond the numbers; these are lives lost and countless injuries and years of trauma because of dangerous and selfish decisions,” said MDOT MVA Administrator Nizer.

The message of safety and avoiding distraction was brought home by Jennifer Weaver of Calvert County. Weaver described how her actions as a distracted driver took a man’s life when she rear-ended his stopped vehicle, sending it into oncoming traffic. Weaver had been looking at her cell phone.

MDOT and its partners remind motorists that a few simple steps can save lives:

• Buckle Up – Seat belts prevent injuries and stop you from being ejected from your car.
• Slow Down – ADAPT your behavior to arrive alive.
• Avoid Distractions – Park the Phone before you drive.
• Drive Sober – Be Legendary and always have a safe & sober ride home.
• Use Crosswalks – And when driving, Look Up/Look Out for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.