Six people died in crashes on Maryland roadways between August 3 and August 9, including three motorcyclists, according to the latest weekly data from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Maryland State Police (MSP). As of August 10, 243 people have been killed on Maryland roads so far this year — down from 288 at the same point in 2025, a roughly 16% decline.
Of this year’s 243 fatalities, drivers account for the largest share at 112, followed by 49 pedestrians, 44 motorcyclists, 33 passengers, and five bicyclists, according to preliminary state data, which officials caution is subject to change as investigations continue.
Part of a Broader Push to Slow Down
This week’s figures arrive a little over a month into “Slow the Fast Down,” a statewide safety campaign Gov. Wes Moore launched in early July aimed at curbing speeding-related crashes. At the time, Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson said nearly one-third of Maryland’s fatal crashes involve excessive speed, and that a pedestrian hit at 40 mph is roughly eight times more likely to die than one hit at 20 mph.
The campaign builds on real progress: Maryland recorded 485 traffic deaths in 2025, the first time the state’s annual toll fell below 500 since 2014. Officials have said that number is still too high, and this year’s continued year-over-year decline suggests the trend is holding into the 2026 summer travel season, historically one of the more dangerous stretches on Maryland roads due to increased vacation and construction traffic.
Reminders From MDOT and MSP
Alongside this week’s data, MDOT and MSP renewed a standard set of safety reminders for the summer travel season:
- Keep your vehicle in good working condition and carry an emergency kit for roadside breakdowns.
- If you get a flat tire, prioritize safety over the repair — pull off to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and call for roadside assistance if needed.
- Look twice before changing lanes or turning; motorcyclists can be harder to spot, especially in blind spots.
- Share the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
- Obey posted speed limits, especially in work zones.
- Move over — or slow down if you can’t safely change lanes — for any vehicle with flashing lights.
- Avoid distractions behind the wheel, including phones and passengers.
- Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Wear seat belts on every trip, front seat and back.
- Avoid aggressive driving and build extra time into your trip.
Where to Find More Information
More information on Maryland’s traffic safety initiatives is available through the Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov, or on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.
