Maryland Injury Attorney Blog

Experienced Baltimore County, Maryland car accident attorneys know that when someone intoxicated gets behind the wheel, everyone on the road with them is at risk.

Anyone can be hurt or killed in drunk-driving traffic accidents—including justice and law enforcement officials who work to prevent such car, truck, and pedestrian accidents from happening. Last year on Aug. 21, a Maryland judge found himself in the path of a drunk driver, with serious consequences. It was not the first time the two had met.

The Washington Post reports that a retired Maryland judge and his wife, both in their 80s, were seriously injured when a man driving a Chevy SUV struck their Honda automobile. The car accident occurred in Montgomery County, Md. The judge's injuries included a leg fracture and broken ribs, and his wife suffered spinal injury and multiple broken bones. Ironically, the judge had spared the same man jail time when he stood before him in court years earlier, on a different drunk-driving charge.

The perpetrator has plead guilty to drunk driving in Montgomery County Circuit Court, Maryland, and this time, he may be sent to jail for his crime. Sentencing is scheduled for June 8.

Man could see jail time for drunken crash into Md. judge's car
WashingtonPost.com April 14, 2010

Drunken Driver Spared Jail Time Accused in New DWI Accident, and Judge Is the Victim
ABA Journal April 12, 2010

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Posted In: Brain and Spine Injury , Drunk Driving Accidents , Settlements & Verdicts

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Maryland traffic accident deaths have been on the decline in recent years -- down to a five-year low of 591 fatalities in 2008, as compared to 643 deaths in 2004. Deaths due to drunk-driving are also down -- 152 deaths in 2008 compared to 211 deaths in 2004. (Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Maryland 2004-2008.) That's encouraging news for those of us who get in our cars, trucks, or SUVs every day and venture out on Maryland's streets and highways. But it's little consolation if you're among the people who lost their lives -- or the grieving families and friends they left behind.

In an effort to keep the numbers of Maryland drunk driving car accidents and fatalities going down, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley has ordered a task force to organize and create a new state driving safety initiative. The Maryland Alcohol Safety Action Program (MASAP) hopes to reduce the number of repeat drunk-driving offenders by tracking those dangerous problem drivers "from the point of arrest, through adjudication, completion of treatment and beyond."

Baltimore, Maryland wrongful death lawyers know the carnage that can result when alcohol-impaired drivers get behind the wheel. Sometimes it seems the only thing that stops chronic repeat drunk-driving offenders is when their recklessness finally takes a life and they're convicted of vehicular homicide. We've all heard those sad, maddening news stories about some innocent person who lost their life because a repeat drunk-driving offender took to the road again under the influence -- despite multiple DUI citations.

The creation of Governor O'Malley's new program to follow repeat DUI offenders was recommended by the Task Force to Combat Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol, which worked to strengthen Maryland's DUI laws and programs in 2007-2008. His executive order follows a memorial ceremony held this past December, to remember the victims whose lives were senselessly cut short on Maryland's roadways due to alcohol related traffic accidents.

Maryland Forms New Alcohol Safety Action Program
Governors Highway Safety Association newsletter
Directions in Highway Safety, Winter 2010, Vol. 12, No. 3

MARYLAND REMEMBERS DUI VICTIMS AND FIGHTS BACK
Maryland Department of Transportation press release, Dec. 9, 2009

Related Web Resources

TASK FORCE TO COMBAT DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS & ALCOHOL
Maryland State Archives, Dec. 16, 2009

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents

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Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety reports that Maryland is among a handful of states that get good or "green" marks for highway safety. However the group believes that Maryland teen traffic accidents could be prevented with tougher state laws restricting teenage drivers.

Maryland has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for teens and has adopted an all-driver ban on texting while driving (see blog entry on Maryland texting and driving ban).

Still The Washington Post reported that Md. "failed to make the grade in five areas, four of them restrictions on teen drivers and the fifth a requirement for use of interlock devices by all offenders." An interlock device is a handheld breath testing unit used to monitor whether drivers who have been charged with drunk driving -- a main cause of fatal highway accidents in Maryland and around the country -- are in fact under the influence when they attempt to start their vehicles. The device disables the car's ignition if the driver does not exhale a sober breath sample.

An experienced Baltimore County car accident injury lawyer keeps current on state laws governing teen drivers. They are aware of the heightened risk that occurs when teens get behind the wheel, particularly if they're texting, talking on cell phones, distracted by other young passengers in the car -- and if alcohol or drugs are involved. (See related blog item on teen driving laws in Maryland.)

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety group has issued a 2010 roadmap of recommendations urging states to pass additional safety regulations related to teen driving, impaired driving, child passenger safety, and other safety issues. DC joined Maryland in getting overall good marks for highway safety. Our neighbor Virginia, however, got poor or red marks. The Post wrote that the act of driving over Potomac River bridges brings motorists into dangerous territory for car, motorcycle, or truck and SUV accidents.

Va. is ranked among the worst states for highway safety
WashingtonPost.com Jan. 11, 2010

Related Web Resources

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety

The 2010 Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws

Safe Roads 4 Teens: Maryland Teen Driving Laws

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents

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With the holiday season in full swing, everyone is scrambling. There's last-minute shopping, preparing for holiday parties and feasts, wrapping up year-end projects at work -- and increased travel by air, rail, and road. Unfortunately, drunk driving car accidents are also part of the holiday picture in Maryland and around the country.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that state law enforcement across the country will be cracking down on drunk drivers this holiday season, with the "Over the Limit, Under Arrest" campaign. People who overindulge in alcohol at family gatherings, work parties, New Year's Eve celebrations, and other holiday get-togethers pose a risk of serious personal injury (including debilitating brain or spine injury) or death to themselves and others. Nationally, 13,470 people were killed in 2006 in alcohol-related traffic accidents.

Maryland Drunk Driving Statistics and Holiday Traffic Accidents
Baltimore County, Maryland car accident lawyers know the human stories behind the statistics. In Maryland, 189 people died in drunk-driving accidents in 2006. And while the Maryland state rate of drunk-driving accident fatalities has been on the decline in recent years (178 deaths in 2007 and 152 in 2008 -- a decline of 12.5%), we know that even one death is one too many. (Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Maryland, 2004 - 2008).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nationally, more fatal drunk-driving car crashes occur at night (36%) and on the weekend (31%) -- just when holiday parties are most likely to be held. In Maryland, we have snow, ice, and the rest of winter's fury adding to the hazards on our roads and highways.

So please: Drive sober, within the speed limit, and defensively this holiday season -- and be alert if you're coming home from a party. The night-time fatal drunk driving accident rate is four times higher than the day-time rate (9%). That's a sobering figure to keep in mind when you're driving to or from your destinations this holiday season. (Source: Traffic Safety Facts 2006 Data, Alcohol-Impaired Driving, NHTSA)

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces Intensive Holiday Drunk & Impaired Driving Crackdown & Advertising Blitz
NHTSA Press Release, Dec. 7, 2009

Fatalities and Fatality Rates in Alcohol- Impaired-Driving Crashes by State, 2007-2008 (download PDF)
NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts: Research Note, Dec. 2009

Related Web Resources

Over the Limit, Under Arrest 2009 Campaign

Maryland Department of Transportation: Traveler Alerts

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Truck Accidents , Wrongful Death

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This Thanksgiving, as is the case every holiday season, law enforcement will be on the lookout to pull over speeders, reckless drivers, and drug- and alcohol-impaired drivers to prevent Maryland car accidents.

Though 2008 saw a decline in Thanksgiving travel, gas prices have stabilized to a level more drivers can live with, and the AAA predicts an uptick in holiday travel this year. That means more cars on Maryland's roads and highways as people travel to and from our fair state to visit family. Other factors contributing to danger on Maryland roadways this holiday season:

> County and wildlife experts report that deer-vehicle collisions in Maryland occur in the thousands every year. Exact numbers are hard to gauge, as it's unknown how many deer-car crashes occur that don't get reported. Deer in the roadway are a concern for holiday drivers, particularly as dusk comes earlier with the days getting shorter, and animals are active at dawn and dusk.

> Thanksgiving, football, and alcohol go together like turkey and stuffing. Unfortunately, all that merry-making can turn lethal when someone who's had too much holiday cheer picks up the keys and hits the road. Fatal drunk driving accidents ended the lives of 179 people in Maryland in 2007 (Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Maryland 2004 - 2007).

As Baltimore County car accident lawyers, we've seen how families can be torn apart when someone drinks and drives on the holiday or any other time in Maryland. A serious motor vehicle accident doesn't just ruin someone's holiday dinner. It can end a life or cause permanent, debilitating injury, such as brain and spine injury.

Whether you drive a motorcycle, car, truck or SUV -- be safe out there this holiday season and avoid accidents. Take your time, drive defensively, be aware of what's around you, and don't give Maryland police a reason to pull you over.

AAA Thanksgiving travel forecast: Highways more crowded
CNNMoney.com on Yahoo! Finance Nov. 18, 2009

Earthspan.org: Assessment of Deer Vehicle Collisions in Maryland

Related Web Resources

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

St. Mary's County Dept. of Public Works, Maryland: Deer Safety

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Truck Accidents

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The Baltimore Sun reports that city police are reviewing a 911 call placed shortly before a Johns Hopkins University student was killed in a fatal hit-run pedestrian accident in Baltimore City, Maryland.

On Friday Oct. 16, 2009, in the mid-afternoon, neuroscience student Miriam Frankl, age 20, was attempting to cross St. Paul Street at University Parkway when she was struck by a pickup truck. The driver in this fatal Baltimore City pedestrian - pickup truck accident fled the scene. Ms. Frankl suffered serious head wounds and died of her injuries at Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Police later apprehended and charged Thomas Meighan Jr. of Carroll County, Maryland, in relation to the death of Ms. Frankl. News reports state that Mr. Meighan has a lengthy history of drunk driving traffic violations in Maryland, including another DUI hit-and-run arrest in Northwest Baltimore this past summer.

Police are now reviewing a 911 call from a man who wanted to report a white pickup truck driving in Baltimore City erratically about 90 mins. before Ms. Frankl was struck and killed. The Sun reports the transcript reveals initial confusion between the caller and police dispatcher, then apparently a decision was made that a cruiser would not investigate (see link below to 911 call transcript).

Maryland Pedestrian Fatalities and Drunk Driving Statistics
Baltimore City wrongful death lawyers may be consulted by individuals and families who suffer personal injury or lose someone they love because a driver got behind the wheel intoxicated, without regard for public safety. Some sobering facts:

> 116 people in Maryland lost their lives in fatal pedestrian traffic accidents in 2007.

> Over one-third of all fatal Maryland car accidents involved alcohol-impaired driving in 2007 (179 out of 614 traffic deaths).

(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Traffic Safety Facts Maryland 2003 - 2007.)

Police to review 911 call in student's death
BaltimoreSun.com Nov. 13, 2009

Driving down the road to ruin
BaltimoreSun.com Nov. 1, 2009

Related Web Resources

JHU family celebrates student’s life
The JHU Gazette Nov. 9, 2009

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Truck Accidents , Wrongful Death

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Baltimore City Police have questioned a Carroll County, Maryland man regarding a truck involved in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident that killed a Johns Hopkins University student. According to news reports, the 20-year-old victim was crossing the 3500 block of St. Paul Street at University Parkway when she was struck by a white Ford F-250 pickup truck traveling at a high rate of speed. She later died at Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

The vehicle involved in this Baltimore hit-run truck accident sped off, however a witness took down the Maryland license plate number. That and news reports informing the public to keep a lookout helped police locate the vehicle. Police have questioned but not arrested a Carroll County, Maryland man, who has a lengthy history of traffic offenses, including 4 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests going back to the mid-1990s.

The individual being questioned has another DUI trial coming up in Dec. for an incident that occurred in July. He is charged with multiple offenses, including reckless driving and failure to stop at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury or death.

Maryland Pedestrian Traffic Accident Statistics
Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyers often work with individuals and families when someone is injured or killed due to negligent, reckless and/or impaired driving. In 2007, pedestrian traffic accidents took the lives of 116 people in Maryland -- the highest number in five years. Of the total 614 Maryland traffic fatalities for 2007 -- 179 involved alcohol-impaired driving (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Maryland 2003 - 2007).

Baltimore City Police continue to investigate this fatal Maryland traffic accident and have not arrested the Carroll County truck driver, who remains "a person of interest."

Police: Owner of truck in hit-and-run is 'person of interest'
Carroll Eagle, Oct. 21, 2009

Hit and Run Death Reveals Disturbing Past
ABC2News.com Oct. 21, 2009

Hopkins student dies of injuries
BaltimoreSun.com Oct. 18, 2009

Related Web Resources

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore Police Department

WalkingInfo.org

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Truck Accidents , Wrongful Death

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The Baltimore Sun reported that a driver was killed this weekend in a fatal hit-and-run Baltimore County car accident.

According to news reports, the fatal hit and run crash occurred Saturday night at 10 p.m. in Baltimore Highlands at the intersection of Virginia Ave. and Annapolis Rd. The suspect, who was driving a cargo van, allegedly fled the scene of the accident but was later apprehended by police and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver of the car that was struck by the van perished and a passenger suffered personal injury. The Sun reported that the driver was 20 years old and lived on Virginia Avenue, Baltimore. The suspect, age 54, is also from Baltimore.

Baltimore County accident lawyers are familiar with the many hazards of driving on Maryland's roads and highways. Some regional statistics...

Baltimore County and Baltimore City Traffic Fatalities for 2007
In the state of Maryland in 2007, there were 179 alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths (involving drivers with blood-alcohol levels above the legal limit of .08). Of fatal traffic accidents for that same year, 216 involved speeding and 120 involved an intersection. There were 72 deaths in Baltimore County (12 percent of the total for the state) and 47 in Baltimore city (8 percent of the total). (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Maryland 2003 - 2007)

In this fatal hit/run car accident case, the suspect was apprehended. Hit-and-run scenarios include drivers who failed to stop their vehicles following a car, SUV, motorcycle, truck accident, or pedestrian accident; who flee on foot; and/or those who cause an accident and either fail to exchange information, report the accident or offer assistance at the scene.

In some cases, where the hit/run suspect is never found, the victims' own auto insurance may "stand in" for the at-fault driver's insurance and provide coverage for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage resulting from the accident. As always, it is best to consult an experienced Maryland injury attorney in hit and run auto accident situations. You may want to do this even before you contact your insurance company, so that your attorney can clearly explain the various scenarios which may unfold in this complex situation.

Victim identified in Baltimore County crash
The Baltimore Sun, Sept. 14, 2009

Driver dies in hit-and-run
The Baltimore Sun, Sept. 13, 2009

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents , Wrongful Death

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Labor Day traditionally heralds the end of summer. It's an opportunity for family and friends to get together one more time before diving back into the fall season's school-and-work grind. Not surprisingly, this long holiday weekend typically sees a spike in alcohol-related traffic accidents nationwide.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) / National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is ramping up its public awareness safety campaign in an effort to reduce the number of Labor Day car, truck, and motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities. Called "Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest," the campaign brings together law enforcement and public safety advocates to drive home the message that drunk driving is not an accident, nor is it a victimless crime.

The DOT reports that last year, 40% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents that occurred over Labor Day weekend were due to drinking and driving. Law enforcement will be cracking down on impaired driving this holiday weekend for drivers of all types of vehicles including motorcycles, cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

NHTSA reports that in 2007, some 13,000 people were killed in highway crashes involving drivers or motorcycle riders whose blood-alcohol levels were .08 or higher, above the legal limit set in all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico. The agency wants to get the message across that drunk driving deaths can be prevented if people take precautions, such as designating a sober driver when they plan on consuming alcohol.

Maryland Drunk Driving Fatality Statistics
In Maryland, 179 people died in 2007 in alcohol-related traffic accidents. Though any death due to drunk driving is one death too many, the number in Maryland is down from a five-year high of 211 drunk driving deaths in 2004--in part thanks to law enforcement and public awareness safety campaigns such as this one (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts Maryland 2003-2007). Too often, Maryland car accident lawyers witness how families' lives are changed forever when a party-goer drinks too much and gets behind the wheel. Be safe this Labor Day weekend. It's supposed to mark the end of summer -- not someone's life.

Stop Impaired Driving: Campaign Headquarters

Law Enforcement August/Labor Day Crackdown: Fact Sheet

Related Web Resources

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD):
Law Enforcement Officers Prepare for Labor Day Weekend

Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP):
Sober Ride Program

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents , Truck Accidents , Wrongful Death

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News sources reported that a man from Cecil County, Maryland, died when he was struck by a truck as he loaded a moped into his parked vehicle.

According to news reports, this Maryland hit-and-run death occurred in the early evening on June 12. The victim, a 44-year-old Elkton man, was crushed between his car and the pickup truck that hit him, driven by a 55-year old man. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Charges may be filed against the driver of the truck, pending a decision by the Cecil County State Attorney. This fatal car truck accident occurred on Elkton, Maryland area roads.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has examined hit & run car accidents in the context of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. NHTSA reports that "it is well-known to law enforcement that many drivers flee the scene of a nighttime crash to conceal their alcohol-impairment." (Source: "Open Container Laws And Alcohol Involved Crashes," NHTSA, DOT HS 809 426, April 2002.)

According to Maryland state law, drivers involved in serious motor vehicle crashes are to remain at or as close to the accident scene as possible without obstructing traffic. The exact circumstances of this fatal Cecil County traffic accident remain under investigation.

Cecil Co. Man Killed in Hit-And-Run
WBOC 16 News June 15, 2009

Related Web Resource

Cecil County Maryland Government

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents , Wrongful Death

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that single-vehicle traffic deaths in Baltimore County, Maryland have declined in recent years -- 45 deaths in 2007, as compared to 51 deaths in 2003. (Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts for Baltimore County 2003-2007).

Single motor vehicle crashes may be caused by a number of factors, including

• driving under the influence


• driving while fatigued or distracted


• exceeding the speed limit or going too fast for road conditions


• weather and road conditions


• swerving to avoid road debris, animals, or other obstacles


• swerving to avoid another driver


• errors in driver judgment causing loss of vehicle control

The Baltimore County Police Department offers maps of traffic fatalities and causes for 2002 - 2007 (see link below). NHTSA reports that overall Baltimore County traffic deaths have been on the decline -- 72 deaths in 2007, down from 86 deaths in 2003.

While statistics show improvement in Baltimore County's overall vehicle accident fatality rates, that's of little comfort if you're one of the unfortunate families who loses someone in a fatal car, SUV, truck accident or motorcycle crash.

Even in single vehicle collisions, another driver may be held liable if they cause you to have an accident. Actual vehicle-to-vehicle contact is not necessary. For example, let's say someone comes barreling toward your car on a dark evening, swerves and enters your lane of travel--causing you to leave the roadway and have an accident. If this driver can be identified, they are going to held liable for causing an accident, even if they do not hit your vehicle. Even if the driver flees the scene in this scenario, you would still be eligible to file what is called a "phantom vehicle" claim with your insurance company. Your company would then "stand in the shoes" of the at-fault driver, and (hopefully) negotiate a settlement with you or your attorney.

Finally, defective automotive equipment, tires, or faulty repairs could have contributed to the accident, and if so, the mechanic or manufacturer can be held liable for their negligence. A Baltimore County accident lawyer relieves grieving families of the burden of filing claims and when necessary, litigating to bring a responsible party to justice.

Baltimore County Maryland Traffic Fatality Maps

NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts: Maryland 2003-2007

Related Web Resources

Baltimore County Police Department

Roadtrip America: Wear Your Seat Belt

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents

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A county police officer involved in a Harford County hit-and-run accident that took a man's life may face up to seven years in prison. Officer Dane Hall, 29, of Perryville, Maryland, plead guilty to negligent homicide while intoxicated in addition to leaving the scene of an accident in the death of Antonio Martinez, 28.

In this unfortunate case -- as we Maryland car accident lawyers have seen time and time again -- the lives of not one but two families are changed forever when someone's alcohol-impaired driving causes a car accident that takes someone's life.

According to news reports, Hall admitted he had been drinking with several other police officers at an after-shift party the night of January 27, 2008. Hall left the party in the early morning hours of Jan. 28 and drove his Nissan Pathfinder into the back of Martinez's Ford Explorer on I-95 near the Maryland House rest stop. The impact sent the Explorer spinning out of control before it flipped over and landed in the southbound lane.

Officer Hall claimed that though he thought he hit something and knew his airbag deployed, he didn't see anything and drove his vehicle home. State Police found his license plate in the wreckage, linking Hall to the fatal accident. Hall will be sentenced July 24 and could face up to 7 years in prison -- the maximum sentence allowed in the plea agreement with the state.

This case of a Harford County, Maryland police officer convicted in a fatal hit-and-run drunk driving accident shows that alcohol-impaired driving can affect anyone, regardless of their profession.

Harford County, Maryland Car Accident Statistics
According to National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) data gathered for the year 2007...

• Of the 29 traffic fatalities in Harford County, 6 deaths involved alcohol-impaired driving.
• In comparison, Harford County drunk-driving deaths were lower than in neighboring Baltimore County, which saw 31 traffic fatalities due to alcohol-impaired driving (urban areas in Maryland have a higher traffic fatality rate than in rural areas). In nearby Carroll County, 1 of the 21 traffic deaths was due to drunk driving.
• The state of Maryland had 614 traffic fatalities during that year, and of those, 179 deaths were attributed to drunk driving.

County officer guilty in fatal wreck
HometownAnnapolis.com April 18, 2009

NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts for Maryland 2003-2007 (searchable by county)

Related Web Resources

Harford County, MD, Government Home Page

Maryland State Police

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents , Settlements & Verdicts , Wrongful Death

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Last week, NHTSA announced that projected numbers of motor vehicle fatalities across the U.S. in 2008 will fall to a near 50-year low (the actual counts will be released this August). A continued drop in Maryland traffic accident deaths is expected, in keeping with trends across the country. Let's look at some Maryland car crash statistics available today:

• In 2007, a total of 614 people died in motor vehicle accidents in Maryland, down from 650 fatalities in 2003.
• Of those 614 fatalities, 179 involved alcohol-impaired driving and 216 involved speeding.
• More people died in urban traffic accidents (369 deaths) as compared to rural locations (245 fatalities) in Maryland in 2007.

Baltimore County, Maryland Traffic Accident Statistics
The NHTSA website allows visitors to research Maryland traffic deaths by years, county, and type of accident. Let's look at Baltimore County, for example.

• In 2007, Baltimore County traffic accidents caused 72 fatalities, as compared to 86 deaths in 2003.
• Single-vehicle crashes caused 45 deaths in 2007, down from 51 deaths in 2003
• Large truck accidents caused 6 deaths in 2007, down from 8 deaths in 2003
• 17 pedestrians died in motor vehicle accidents in 2007, down from 21 in 2003
• Motorcycle crash fatalities increased, up from 7 deaths in 2003 to 13 deaths in 2007
• Alcohol-impaired driving deaths also went up, from 24 in 2003 to 31 in 2007

Public safety programs and laws measure their effectiveness with statistics. So any time the numbers of traffic fatalities go down, we know something is working. But what we've also learned as Baltimore County car accident lawyers is that behind the stats are people. For every single traffic fatality there is a story of somebody going somewhere who didn't make it. Fewer deaths on Marylands roads and highways is always good news. But like we've said before, even one motor vehicle accident death is too many when it's someone you love (or you).

NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts for Maryland 2003-2007

NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts for Baltimore County 2003-2007

Related Web Resource

Baltimore County, MD, Government Home Page

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents , Truck Accidents , Wrongful Death

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) predicts that the nation's motor vehicle traffic fatalities for 2008 will have declined to a level not seen since 1961. NHTSA projects that the total number of traffic-related fatalities for the U.S. in 2008 will be 37,313 deaths -- down 9.1 percent from the 2007 statistic of 41,059 fatalities. (NHTSA will report the actual numbers in August 2009.)

NHTSA attributes the decline in car crash deaths to a number of factors, including...

• improvements in motor vehicle technology


• tougher enforcement of seat belt laws


• law enforcement efforts to get repeat drunk-driving offenders off the road


• an increase in use of public transportation


• fewer people driving due to higher gas prices and the economy

Maryland Car Crash Fatalities
Maryland is among 16 states to achieve a 90% or more rate of seat-belt use along with our neighbors Delaware and District of Columbia. Michigan had the highest seat-belt use rate of 97%, while Wyoming, Massachusetts and New Hampshire had the lowest rates, with less than 70 percent of drivers in those states buckling up.

In 2007, there were 614 Maryland car crash deaths (NHTSA, Traffic Safety Facts, Maryland 2003-2007). In the new report, Maryland, DC and Delaware, which are in NHTSA region 3, are expected to see a 12% decline in fatalities in 2008 as compared to 2007 -- one of the highest rates of car crash fatality decline in the country. Interestingly, the region with the highest expected decline in car crash fatalities -- region 1, New England, expected to see a decline of 14% -- has some of the same states with the lowest rate of seat belt use. Region 6, which includes Texas and surrounding states, is expected to have the lowest decline of just a little over 1% -- but a decline in deaths nonetheless.

Of course, even one motor-vehicle related death due is too many if it's you or someone in your family. A Maryland car accident lawyer works with bereaved families to relieve them of the burden of the insurance claims process and when called for, litigation. The new NHTSA statistics show that safety programs, law enforcement, and improvements to motor vehicle equipment and technologies do save lives. But driving defensively is always wise -- it was in 1961, and it still is today in 2009.

Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2008
NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts March 2009

Traffic deaths decline as more people are buckling up
ConsumerReports.org April 6, 2009

Related Web Resource

Newest safety technology: Cars that avoid crashes
San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News March 20, 2009

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accidents , Truck Accidents , Wrongful Death

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