For immediate release:
April 26, 2016
Contact:
Hannah Marr hannah.marr@maryland.gov
Shareese Churchill shareese.churchill@maryland.gov
410-974-2316
ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Larry Hogan today released the following statement in response to the increase in roadway fatalities in Maryland, from 443 in 2014 to 520 in 2015: “Anytime a life is lost on our highways it is a tragedy, and last year, Maryland experienced far too many of them. From Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta to Maryland Transportation Authority Maintenance Technician Michael Pearce, every death on our roads could have been prevented and each one is devastatingly heartbreaking for the families and loved ones left behind.
“The safety and security of Marylanders will always be my number-one priority, and our administration remains committed to making our highways as safe as possible. Since taking office, we have introduced several proven measures that will make a difference on our roads, including stricter ignition interlock laws and increased funding for the Maryland State Police. Most importantly, we have invested $1.97 billion in key highway and bridge projects across the state, which are critical to improving safety on our roads, and we will vigorously fight any proposal or outside pressure that could put these much-needed safety improvements at risk. Safety must always be at the core of our investments in transportation.
“Ultimately, every citizen of this state has a shared responsibility. We all need to slow down; always drive sober; pay attention at all times; keep an eye out for workers in construction zones; look out for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians; use crosswalks; and make sure every person is wearing a seat belt or properly fastened in a child safety seat. If we all commit to safety on our roads, together we can make a difference and save lives.”
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