Maryland's roads are dangerous, and state officials are taking bold steps to fix that. In 2023, there were 621 fatalities on Maryland highways, the highest number in over 15 years. This year, the numbers are slightly better, but serious and fatal car accidents still remain a problem.
Lt. David Ryan of the Maryland State Police Traffic Incident Management Section knows the human cost of these tragedies all too well. He has delivered heartbreaking news to families more times than he cares to remember. "If I could capture that wave of human emotion and share it with everybody, we wouldn't be having this conference," he said.
The conference focused on the alarming rise in fatal car accidents in Maryland, as officials across the state prioritized their commitment to reducing those numbers. But with fatalities on track to exceed 550 this year, the effort to save lives is as urgent as ever.
What makes Maryland's roads so dangerous?
There's no mystery about what causes Maryland's highway deaths. According to Chrissy Nizer, the administrator of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and failure to wear seatbelts are the major culprits.
"This reckless behavior has devastating consequences, and it occurs all too frequently," Nizer said. "People make excuses: 'I just want to get home,' or 'I was going with the flow.' I actually had someone tell me, 'I can't drive 55,' and he meant it."
Nizer stressed that these causes are preventable and the behaviors that lead to these crashes are by choice. "You're choosing to speed. You're choosing to pick up your cell phone. You're choosing to drink and get behind the wheel," she said.
While much of the focus is on reducing fatalities, the physical and emotional toll of crashes extends far beyond the statistics. This year, fatalities are down 6% compared to the same time in 2023. However, even if the state finishes the year with fewer deaths, the total will still exceed the 566 fatalities recorded in 2022.
Lt. Ryan has seen firsthand the profound grief that follows a fatal car accident, and he stressed the importance of remembering the lives affected.
"Think about the physical, mental injuries that can be life-altering," Ryan said. "And the inconveniences caused to everyone on the roadways. The massive delays. The missed opportunities. Thousands of Marylanders face this almost daily on one road or another. All these people are just trying to get home."
Is the goal of zero deaths by 2030 realistic?
Maryland is aiming for zero roadway deaths by 2030. While the target is ambitious, it's backed by state law. Nizer explained that this legal mandate reflects how seriously Maryland's leaders view highway safety.
The zero-deaths goal requires collaboration from state and local governments, law enforcement, public safety agencies, and citizens. Reaching that goal will mean better enforcement, improved road design, and continued public awareness efforts. Whether the state will get there by 2030 remains uncertain, but the commitment is real.
To deter unsafe driving, Maryland recently doubled fines for speeding in highway work zones. The new penalties, which went into effect in June, raised fines from $40 to $80. Starting in January, drivers could face fines as high as $1,000 depending on their speed and whether workers were present.
Our Maryland car accident lawyers fight for injured crash victims
If you've been injured in a car accident in Silver Spring or anywhere in Maryland, the experienced attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan are here to help. With over 20 years of experience and over $150 million recovered for crash victims and their families, we know how to fight for maximum compensation for our clients. Some of our most notable case results include a $4.975 million wrongful death verdict and a $1.75 million settlement for a car accident victim.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless we win your case. Let us handle your claim from start to finish so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us online or call us today to schedule your free consultation.