News Release, Maryland Transportation Authority
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is reminding motorists of the importance of staying alert while driving and the critical need to be aware of construction crews in highway work zones. Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes in America. In Maryland, it contributes to 58% of all crashes.
The reminder comes in the wake of a work zone injury Wednesday morning on the Interstate 895 spur near MD 2 (Ritchie Highway) in Anne Arundel County. A contractor for MDTA from A Halcon Contractors Inc. was setting up construction cones at about 5:16 a.m. when he was struck by a vehicle and suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The worker was transported to an area hospital.
Work is continuing to resurface the ramp from I-97 to northbound I-895. Single-lane closures are being conducted 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Tuesday, July 2, and overnight closures will occur 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Friday, June 21, through Sunday, June 23, as well as Friday, June 28, through Sunday, June 30.
MDTA Police remind motorists to obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals at all times, and never tailgate. The agency routinely enforces Maryland’s distracted driving laws throughout the state. Fines for using a handheld phone while a vehicle is in motion range from $83 for the first offense to $160 for the third offense. Fines can be even higher if it is found a distracted driver hurt or kills someone.
The MDTA Police support the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Highway Safety Office’s “Toward Zero Deaths”campaign – a partnership to save lives and prevent injuries on Maryland roadways. For more information, visit towardzerodeathsmd.com.