ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Wes Moore on Wednesday announced the launch of “Slow the Fast Down,” a new statewide safe driving campaign designed to reduce speeding-related fatalities and injuries on Maryland roadways. The initiative calls on all drivers to obey posted speed limits and make safer choices behind the wheel.
“The safety of Marylanders is my number one priority,” Gov. Moore said. “The ‘Slow the Fast Down’ campaign is a refusal to accept the status quo on our roadways, inspiring more drivers across Maryland to ease off the gas and put the brakes on aggressive and reckless driving.”
Lt. Governor Aruna Miller added, “Speeding isn’t just breaking the law, it puts families, first responders, road workers, pedestrians, and every person on our roadways at risk. Obeying the posted speed limit can be the difference between life and death.”
The campaign message is straightforward: slowing down saves lives. Faster speeds reduce reaction time, increase stopping distances, and worsen crash outcomes. Nearly one-third of fatal crashes in Maryland involve excessive speed. The site SlowTheFastDownMD.com offers resources, visualizations, and tools to share the message.
Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson stated, “This campaign is about respecting the speed limit and the people around us enough to slow down. This one choice can save lives.” Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer emphasized that speeding is a public health issue, noting that even small speed increases dramatically raise risks for vulnerable road users.
Last year, 485 people died on Maryland roadways — the first time since 2014 the annual total fell below 500 — yet officials stress that even one death is too many. The state remains committed to its zero roadway fatalities goal.
Throughout July, state and local law enforcement will conduct high-visibility enforcement operations targeting speeding. So far this year, officers have issued more than 4,600 citations for drivers exceeding limits by 30 mph or more, according to Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Michael A. Jackson.
The campaign also addresses misconceptions about vehicle safety features. While modern technology helps, experts from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety note that protection diminishes significantly at higher speeds. Crash tests and research show dramatically increased injury risks above 40-50 mph.
Southern Maryland drivers on routes through Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s counties are encouraged to heed the message, particularly during summer travel with increased traffic and work zones. Resources are available at SlowTheFastDownMD.com.
