Maryland Transportation Officials Reflect on Roadway Fatalities as ‘100 Deadliest Days’ Conclude

GLEN BURNIE, MD (September 8, 2026) – As Maryland's summer travel season comes to a close, the Moore-Miller Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland State Police are reflecting on the lives lost on Maryland roadways this summer while continuing to urge motorists to make safe choices behind the wheel. 

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which is commonly referred to as the ‘100 Deadliest Days of Summer,’ 136 people were killed in crashes on Maryland roadways, compared to 152 people killed during the same period last year. Each fatality represents a person whose loss is felt by family, friends, and communities across the state.  

Maryland continues to record fewer roadway fatalities compared with this time last year. As of September 7, 290 people have lost their lives on Maryland roadways in 2026, compared with 332 at this time in 2025, a decrease of approximately 13%.  

“While Maryland has seen fewer roadway fatalities compared with this time last year, every life lost in a crash is a tragedy that affects families, friends, and communities across our state,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “Every roadway death is preventable, and we urge all Marylanders to slow down, stay focused, never drive impaired, and make safe choices every time they get behind the wheel.” 

Throughout the summer, the Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland State Police issued weekly fatal crash updates to raise awareness of lives lost on Maryland roadways and to remind travelers of actions everyone can take to prevent crashes. 

Beginning this month, these fatal crash updates will transition from a weekly to a monthly schedule. Monthly updates will continue to provide preliminary fatality information, year-over-year context, and timely safety reminders while focusing on trends and behaviors that contribute to serious and fatal crashes. 

As Maryland moves into the fall travel season, motorists are reminded to: 

• Stop for School Buses and Watch for Children: As students head back to school, remember to stop for school buses with flashing red lights unless you are traveling on the opposite side of a roadway separated by a physical median. 
• Prepare for roadside emergencies by keeping your vehicle in good working condition and carrying an emergency kit.  
• If you have a flat tire, prioritize your safety over changing the tire. Pull off the roadway to a safe location if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and call for roadside assistance if needed. 
• Look twice before changing lanes and turning, as motorcyclists can be harder to see, especially in a vehicle's blind spot. 
• Share the road with pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.  
• Obey posted speed limits and slow down, especially in work zones. 
• Move over for any vehicle with flashing lights, or slow down if you cannot safely change lanes. 
• Avoid distractions while driving - including phones, passengers and any activity that takes your attention away from the road ahead. 
• Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. 
• Wear seat belts on every trip, in the front seat and back seat. 
• Avoid aggressive driving and give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination. 

Fatal Crash Summary 

Each fatal crash represents a life lost on Maryland’s roadways. Fatality data are preliminary and subject to change. Through August, only one month in 2026 recorded more roadway fatalities than the same month in 2025. While this year-over-year trend is encouraging, the Maryland Department of Transportation remains focused on sustaining this progress and working toward the goal of zero roadway deaths. 

Maryland Department of Transportation is Serious About Safety. Learn more about the Highway Safety Office and Maryland’s safety efforts at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD