Less traffic last year amid pandemic-related closures did not translate into fewer traffic deaths on Maryland roads. In fact, there were more deadly crashes in Maryland in 2020 compared to the year before.
Overall, despite fewer drivers on the road, a total of 569 people were killed on Maryland roadways last year an increase of 6.4% according to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
The increase in deadly crashes came even as average vehicle traffic volumes in Maryland dropped more than 50% in April of last year compared to 2019 and they’re still down about 11%, according to state data.
“Not only did Maryland tragically lose thousands of lives in 2020 to COVID-19, but we lost an additional 569 lives from motor vehicle crashes,” Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Greg Slater said in a news release.
April 13, 2021
569 Lives Lost on Maryland Roadways, Including 134 Pedestrians and 14 Bicyclists; Distraction, Impairment and Excessive Speed Continue to be Major Factors in Crashes
Despite fewer drivers on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic, motor vehicle crashes on Maryland roadways claimed 569 lives in 2020, an increase of 6.4% compared to 535 deaths the previous year.
Preliminary data released today by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) also shows an increase in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities, from 124 and 10 in 2019 to 134 and 14 in 2020, respectively. Overall crashes and serious injuries decreased, but crashes in 2020 were more severe, contributing to the rise in roadway fatalities. The total number of fatalities was the highest in Maryland since 2008, when the state experienced 592 highway deaths.
The recent Maryland Transportation Authority Tier 1 NEPA proposal for a new or replacement Bay Bridge through the heart of Anne Arundel and Queen Anne’s counties has ignored completely the need for redundancy or alternatives with more direct ways to cross the Chesapeake Bay and reach the shore resorts.
Posted: April 9, 2021
HAGERSTOWN, MD (April 9, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants to hear from you! MDOT is in the process of updating the Maryland State Freight Plan and is seeking input from Maryland citizens and freight stakeholders. MDOT recently released the State Freight Plan Survey and would like to get as much input to help set goals and priorities for the efficient, safe and sustainable movement of goods across the state. Please submit your survey by May 14, 2021.
To learn more, please visit the Maryland State Freight Plan website. In addition to the survey, feedback can be provided by email at MDStateFreightPlan@mdot.maryland.gov.