The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and the Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MVA) Highway Safety Office are calling on all highway users to exercise increased caution as the days grow shorter during autumn. With daylight fading earlier and Halloween approaching, the agencies are emphasizing the importance of safety for both motorists and pedestrians.
October, recognized as National Pedestrian Safety Month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), brings heightened focus on pedestrian safety. Will Pines, the State Highway Administrator, stressed the collective responsibility in keeping Maryland’s roads safe. “Highway safety is everyone’s business,” said Pines. “It’s essential that all users adhere to the rules of the road. We must drive, walk and bike with safety in mind.”
Pedestrian fatalities have shown a concerning pattern nationwide, with 78% of deaths occurring after dark, according to the NHTSA. This statistic highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians in low-light conditions, particularly in the evening hours when visibility is reduced. To combat these risks, MDOT SHA encourages pedestrians to wear bright or reflective clothing when navigating roadways during dusk, nighttime, or early morning.
Chrissy Nizer, Administrator of the MDOT MVA and Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative, emphasized that drivers bear significant responsibility in maintaining pedestrian safety. “Adhering to the speed limit, driving sober and minimizing distractions are essential for ensuring pedestrian safety,” Nizer explained. “Increased speeds, distractions and impairment lead to longer reaction times and greater stopping distances, which can result in devastating consequences for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.”
The statistics are sobering. In 2023 alone, the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office recorded 2,892 crashes involving vehicles and pedestrians in Maryland. These incidents resulted in 2,837 injuries and 159 fatalities, underscoring the need for greater vigilance by both drivers and pedestrians.
Safety Tips for Motorists and Pedestrians
MDOT SHA and MVA provided a series of guidelines for motorists and pedestrians to enhance safety on Maryland’s roads.
For motorists:
- Enter and exit driveways slowly and with caution.
- Always stay alert, slow down, and stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections—this is both a legal requirement and a critical safety measure.
- Use extra caution when turning at intersections, where pedestrians may be crossing.
- Never drive under the influence. If drinking is part of your plans, arrange for a safe ride home.
- Fully stop at stop signs and for school buses to ensure the safety of children and other pedestrians.
- When approaching any stopped or parked vehicle displaying warning signals, move over a lane or slow down if it’s not safe to change lanes.
- On Halloween, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., be particularly cautious, as trick-or-treaters will be present, often in costumes that may limit visibility.
For pedestrians:
- Always pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions while walking.
- Utilize sidewalks and marked crosswalks wherever available.
- When at signalized intersections, press the pedestrian signal button and wait for the “walk” signal before crossing.
- Before crossing any street, look left, right, and left again to ensure safety.
- Wear bright-colored clothing and reflective items, especially when walking after dark. Avoid dark clothing and masks that impair your vision.
MDOT SHA’s commitment to pedestrian and bicyclist safety is evident through its ongoing projects under the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. Released in May 2023, the plan uses data-driven analysis to prioritize safety improvements for vulnerable road users across the state. MDOT SHA is employing the Context Driven Guide to design these projects, ensuring that safety enhancements have the greatest possible impact.
Enhancing Safe Transportation Options
The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan and the Context Driven Guide are components of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s broader Complete Streets policy. This policy promotes accessible, equitable, and safe transportation options for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and those using mobility aids. It also considers newer transportation methods like e-bikes and e-scooters, which are becoming more popular across the state.
As days shorten and the risks increase for pedestrians and bicyclists, MDOT SHA and MVA are urging everyone to exercise extra caution. Both agencies remain committed to improving road safety and ensuring that all Marylanders can travel safely, regardless of their mode of transportation.
