Maryland awards more than $13M in federal, state highway safety grants

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Maryland recently awarded more than 90 organizations, agencies, and programs more than $13 million in federal and state highway safety grants.

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office will distribute the federal funds.

Grants range from $1,750 to $728,963.45.

The money will be used for initiatives that fund overtime enforcement of Maryland’s traffic laws; increase the use of seat belts in all seats; increase safety for pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists; increase the efficiency and capability of Maryland’s traffic data systems; prevent impaired, aggressive, and distracted driving; promote the correct use of child-passenger safety seats; and support police training for highway safety and traffic enforcement.

“To eliminate crashes and fatalities in Maryland, we need to work together as partners at the local, state, and federal levels to maintain a safe and reliable highway system and reinforce good driving behaviors,” MDOT Secretary James F. Ports said. “These grants affirm the commitment of MDOT and the (Larry) Hogan administration to invest in critical transportation projects and initiatives that benefit residents, visitors, and businesses across Maryland.”

There were 562 traffic deaths in Maryland in 2021, 11 less than in 2020. Last year’s deaths included 131 pedestrians and six bicyclists.