As summer kicks off, Maryland officials are emphasizing the importance of road safety during what is known as the ‘100 deadliest days of summer.’ This period, spanning from Memorial Day to Labor Day, historically sees a rise in traffic crashes and fatalities nationwide.
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and Maryland State Police are taking proactive measures to ensure safety on the roads. These efforts include high-visibility enforcement, DUI saturation patrols, and public outreach campaigns aimed at deterring dangerous driving behaviors.
Chrissy Nizer, Motor Vehicle Administrator and Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative, highlighted the need for responsible driving. ‘Summer travel means more vehicles on the road, more celebrations, and unfortunately, more preventable crashes,’ she stated. Nizer urged Marylanders to make responsible choices, such as planning for a sober ride, avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, and always buckling up.
Increased Enforcement and Safety Measures
Throughout the summer months, Maryland State Police will deploy troopers from all 23 barracks, including the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, to enforce traffic laws. So far in 2026, troopers have stopped over 2,000 drivers suspected of impaired driving, with specialized teams removing an additional 333 drivers in high-risk areas like Baltimore and Washington metro regions. Speeding remains a significant concern, with 1,600 drivers cited for exceeding speed limits by 30 or more miles per hour and 350 drivers caught driving over 100 miles per hour.
Colonel Michael A. Jackson, superintendent of the Maryland State Police, emphasized the collaborative efforts with law enforcement and highway safety partners to ensure safe travel. ‘Summer should be a season of making memories with family and friends, not tragedy on our highways,’ he remarked.
Safety Tips for Drivers and Pedestrians
To reduce risks, the MVA and Maryland State Police recommend designating a sober driver or using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft when consuming alcohol or drugs. Other safety tips include wearing seatbelts, adhering to speed limits, and staying off mobile phones while driving. Pedestrians are advised to use marked crosswalks and wear bright or reflective clothing at night.
The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Serious About Safety initiative offers additional safety information for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and caution during these critical months.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
