Car Accident Statistics in Maryland
Nestled along the eastern seaboard, Maryland, a state rich in history and scenic landscapes, harbors a parallel reality that demands attention – road safety. With its proximity to Washington DC, Maryland experiences a significant influx of traffic, ranging from daily commuters navigating bustling cityscapes to visitors immersing themselves in the state’s charm. The Old Line State, while celebrated for its historical significance and natural beauty, grapples with a sobering truth: a notable frequency of car accidents. Recent data from the Maryland Department of Transportation reveals that in 2022, there were over 28,000 collisions involving motor vehicles in the state that caused injury, with a concerning number resulting in fatalities. As we delve into the unique tapestry of Maryland’s cultural heritage and geographical wonders, the striking statistics of car accidents cast a shadow, emphasizing the critical need to address road safety in this vibrant and diverse state.
Total Number of Car Accidents in the State
In the latest available data from Zero Deaths Maryland, Maryland witnessed 108,365 car accidents in 2022. This figure encompasses a comprehensive view of road incidents across the state.
Motor Vehicle Deaths and Injuries in Car Accidents
In an examination of the motor vehicle crash deaths and injuries resulting from car accidents, the numbers are distressingly high. According to data from 2022, there were 565 fatalities as a result of car accidents, reflecting a slight increase from 563 fatalities in 2021.
The total number of injuries is even more alarming. In 2021, there were 40,853 reported injuries from car accidents in Maryland. This number decreased to 40,717 in 2022 but still highlights the severe consequences of these road incidents. This troubling rise in fatalities and injuries underscores Maryland’s urgent need for effective road safety measures.
Factors Contributing to the Overall Accident Rates
Maryland car accidents can be attributed to multiple factors. The following car accident statistics represent the top three contributing factors to car accidents in Maryland in 2022:
#1: Distracted Driving
The peril of distracted driving remains a prominent issue in Maryland, contributing to a substantial number of road accidents. The 2022 data highlights the severity of this concern:
Fatal Crashes: There were 188 fatal crashes in 2022 that involved drivers who were reported to be distracted at the time of the accident.
Injury Crashes: The impact of distracted driving is further reflected in the number of injury crashes, which soared to a staggering 14,471 incidents in the same year.
Total Crashes: In total, there were 51,032 road incidents in 2022 where the driver was reported to be distracted.
The statistics make it abundantly clear that distracted driving is a major contributor to traffic accidents in Maryland, underlining the need for more stringent measures to discourage such behaviors. In 2022, distracted driving was a factor in approximately 47% of all car accidents in the state, a statistic that further emphasizes its significant impact on road safety.
#2 Speeding & Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving or speeding is another significant factor contributing to the high number of accidents in Maryland. The data from 2022 provides a revealing look into the extent of this issue:
Fatal Crashes: There were 131 fatal crashes in 2022 involving aggressive driving or speeding.
Injury Crashes: The number of injury crashes due to speed/aggressive driving was substantially higher, reaching a total of 9,031 incidents in the same year.
Total Crashes: Including all minor and major incidents, the total number of crashes attributed to speed or aggressive driving was 11,290 in 2022.
In 2022, speed/aggressive driving caused 3,365 crashes, accounting for approximately 10.4% of the total accidents in Maryland. Addressing these driving behaviors is crucial for improving road safety in the state.
#3 Alcohol or Drugs Involvement
Substance usage while driving remains a prevalent issue in Maryland, with the 2022 numbers reinforcing this concern. This section examines the statistics for fatal crashes, injury crashes, and total crashes where alcohol (a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher) or drugs were involved:
Fatal Crashes: In 2022, there were 155 fatal crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Injury Crashes: The impact of substance use is further reflected in the number of injury crashes, which stood at 1,704 in 2022.
Total Crashes: A total of 5,777 crashes were reported in 2022, where alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor.
This data underscores the critical link between substance usage and vehicular accidents, emphasizing the urgent need for more effective strategies to prevent and control such incidents.
The 5,777 crashes involving alcohol or drugs in 2022 represented approximately 5.3% of all car accidents in Maryland that year. This percentage highlights the substantial role of substance abuse in contributing to the state’s overall accident rates.
Other Accident Types
Motorcycle-Related Accidents
Motorcycle-related accidents continue to be a significant concern in Maryland, with both fatalities and injuries showing disconcerting numbers. In 2022, the data paints a grim picture:
Fatal Crashes: There were 74 fatal crashes reported involving motorcycles.
Injury Crashes: Motorcycle-related accidents resulted in 967 injuries.
Total Crashes: Overall, there were 1,338 motorcycle-related accidents in 2022.
These numbers emphasize the urgent need for focused interventions to improve motorcycle safety on Maryland’s roads. The 1,338 motorcycle-related accidents accounted for a significant percentage of the total number of car accidents in the state, further highlighting the gravity of this issue.
Pedestrian-Related Accidents
Accidents involving pedestrians are a serious concern on Maryland’s roads. They not only represent a significant percentage of total accidents but also lead to severe injuries and fatalities. In 2022, the statistics for pedestrian-related accidents were as follows:
Fatal Crashes: There were 130 fatal crashes involving pedestrians.
Injury Crashes: Pedestrian-related accidents resulted in 2,269 injuries.
Total Crashes: In total, there were 2,609 pedestrian-related accidents within the year.
Bicycle Involved Accidents
Accidents involving bicycles and other pedal cycles are another area of concern on Maryland’s roads. These incidents may not be as numerous as other types of accidents, but they often result in serious injuries, and in some cases, fatalities. The data for 2022 provides insight into the extent of this problem:
Fatal Crashes: There were 11 fatal crashes involving bicycles or other pedal cycles.
Injury Crashes: These kinds of accidents resulted in 604 injuries throughout the year.
Total Crashes: The data shows that a total of 746 accidents involved bicycles or other pedal cycles in 2022.
What Are the Top Areas for Car Wrecks and Traffic Fatalities in Maryland?
Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County is notorious for having the highest number of Maryland fatal accidents and severe injuries resulting from car accidents. It also records the highest number of pedestrian, motorcyclist, and bicyclist fatalities due to vehicular accidents. The most perilous location in Prince George’s County, marked by a high volume of accidents and traffic-related deaths each year, is Maryland Route 110 southbound, from Kerby Hill Rd./Livingston Rd. to Palmer Road. Often referred to as Indian Head Highway, this county road is a frequent spot for traffic violations, including impaired driving, speeding, aggressive driving, and distracted driving.
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County’s most common locations for motor vehicle crashes are Maryland Route 3 southbound, from MD 175 to Waugh Chapel Road, and Maryland Route 170 southbound, from MD 176 to MD 174. Despite the lesser frequency of accidents compared to adjacent counties, data indicates that drivers in Anne Arundel County face higher risks of traffic fatalities in these areas.
Baltimore City
Baltimore is known for higher car insurance premiums compared to the average American city, largely due to the high incidence of car accidents. These accidents result in a wide range of serious bodily injuries and property damage every year. The most accident-prone spot in Baltimore City is Maryland Route 2 northbound, from US 50 to MD 648 and Whites Road. Fatal traffic accidents occur more frequently here than in any other location in Baltimore City.
Maryland Statistics
The statistics and data presented above highlight the prevalence and severity of car accidents in Maryland, particularly those involving alcohol or drugs, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicycles. It is crucial to address these issues through effective strategies and interventions to ensure the safety of all individuals on the road. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to seek the help of experienced legal professionals to protect your rights and receive proper compensation. Stay safe on the road, and remember to always practice responsible driving habits.
Injured in a Car Accident? We Can Help.
The law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. is committed to helping car accident victims and their families in Maryland. With over 90 years of combined experience, our team of experienced attorneys has successfully represented clients in personal injury cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and more. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you receive the compensation you deserve.
