(October 27, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration and the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office are reminding everyone to focus on safety as we enter the autumn season. The Moore-Miller Administration is Serious About Safety and protecting lives. Shorter days, cooler weather and fall activities can present unique challenges for all roadway users. Drivers should be extra vigilant for pedestrians, bicyclists and all those who share the road.
“As we transition between seasons, there are challenges for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other highway and road users that call upon everyone to be cautious and aware,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thompson. “Research has shown up to a 13% increase in fatal crashes for pedestrians and bicyclists in the weeks following the fall time change. We encourage all Marylanders to review the rules of the road and exercise additional caution so everyone gets safely to their destination.”
October is designated National Pedestrian Safety Month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This time of year, it is critical for drivers to be alert for pedestrians and cyclists. In 2025, there were 2,704 pedestrian-related crashes in Maryland (a 7% decrease from 2024) that killed 101 pedestrians and injured 2,399 pedestrians.
“While 2025 saw a decline in pedestrian crashes on every road in the state, we all know there’s more work to be done. We urge all roadway users to slow down, eliminate distractions and help protect our most vulnerable travelers,” said State Highway Administrator Will Pines. “Maryland is Serious About Safety, and we ask that you to share the message of good driving behavior with family and friends.”
With daylight hours decreasing during the fall months, visibility decreases for pedestrians and drivers. The end of Daylight Saving Time on November 1 means more people will travel during hours of darkness, making it especially important for drivers to stay alert and for pedestrians and bicyclists to make themselves visible.
“As days get shorter and we prepare to turn back the clock, we should remember that road safety is a shared responsibility, whether you’re driving home or taking your evening walk,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “Paying close attention to your surroundings, following the rules of the road and wearing reflective/bright clothing can help prevent crashes and save lives.”
Motorists are urged to:
- Enter and exit driveways slowly, looking carefully for people walking or bicycling.
- Stay alert, slow down and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections.
- Use caution when turning at intersections.
- Always drive sober. If you’re planning to drink, arrange for a safe ride home.
- Come to a complete stop at stop signs and for school buses.
- Move over one lane when approaching any stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying warning signals. If it’s not safe to move over, slow down.
- Ensure all vehicle lighting systems are operational – see and be seen.
- On Halloween, be extra cautious during evening trick-or-treating hours. Expect the unexpected. Watch for children crossing streets and moving between parked cars.
Pedestrians are urged to:
- Pay attention to surroundings.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Activate the pedestrian signal button at signalized intersections, then wait for the “walk” signal.
- Look left, right and left again before crossing a street.
- When walking after dark, wear bright or reflective clothing and consider carrying a light or a reflective accessory to increase visibility.
- Try to cross where there is street lighting.
The Maryland Department of Transportation has several programs that support Complete Streets and Vision Zero initiatives including the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, which enhances pedestrian safety by focusing on site-specific infrastructure improvements, as well as the Complete Streets “quick-build” program that installs small but effective upgrades that deliver safety results quickly and effectively. These initiatives are priorities of the Moore-Miller Administration and complement the Serious About Safety program, a department-wide focus to drive safety and save lives.
For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, visit Project Portal or the homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For real-time traffic conditions, go to chart.maryland.gov.
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