MDOT SHA, MVA urge motorists to use extra caution as days grow shorter

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and Motor Vehicle Administration's Highway Safety Office (MDOT MVA) are reminding motorists to exercise extra caution this autumn as days grow shorter. With Halloween approaching and the sun setting earlier, officials say pedestrian and cyclist safety are paramount.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) designates October as National Pedestrian Safety Month. This heightened awareness period stresses the importance of driver vigilance, particularly given that 78% of pedestrian fatalities nationwide occur in low light, according to the NHTSA.

"Highway safety is everyone's business," emphasized State Highway Administrator Will Pines. "It's essential that all users adhere to the rules of the road. We must drive, walk and bike with safety in mind."

Pedestrians are encouraged to wear bright colors and reflective clothing when walking in low light. The MDOT MVA also stresses the importance of driver responsibility, urging motorists to adhere to speed limits, drive sober, and minimize distractions.

MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who is also Governor Wes Moore's Highway Safety Representative, emphasizes that all drivers must adhere to the speed limit, drive sober, and minimize distractions to prioritize pedestrian safety. "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 struck by vehicles."

The MDOT MVA's Highway Safety Office reported 2,892 vehicle-pedestrian crashes in 2023, resulting in 2,837 injuries and 159 fatalities. These statistics underscore the vulnerability of pedestrians in collisions with vehicles.

Motorists are urged to exercise particular caution on Halloween, especially during peak trick-or-treating hours from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Children are more likely to be out and about, potentially crossing streets and moving between parked cars.

Pedestrians are reminded to be attentive to their surroundings, use sidewalks and marked crosswalks, and wait for the "walk" signal at intersections. Wearing bright colors and reflective materials is crucial for visibility after dark.

This was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.