GLEN BURNIE, MD (October 5, 2026) – As Maryland enters the busy fall season, the Moore-Miller Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland State Police continue to urge motorists to make safe choices behind the wheel. During the month of September, preliminary data shows 39 people lost their lives as a result of a motor vehicle crash. This includes 13 pedestrians, three bicyclists and five motorcyclists. Compared to September 2025, 15 fewer lives were lost. 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. 

As daylight gets shorter, motorists are reminded to: 

• Share the road?with pedestrians,?bicyclists?and motorcyclists.? 

• Stop for School Buses and Watch for Children: Drivers must 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. 

• 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 Data

Each fatal crash represents a life lost on Maryland’s roadways. Fatality data are preliminary and subject to change.   

	September 2026	2026 Total Year-to-Date	2025 Total
Drivers	15	144	233
Passengers	3	46	83
Pedestrians	13	65	111
Bicyclists	3	13	10
Motorcyclists	5	60	49

 

Month	2026	2025	Difference
January	19	24	-5
February	27	41	-14
March	41	30	11
April	38	47	-9
May	34	40	-6
June	41	40	1
July	47	55	-8
August	42	41	1
September	39	54	-15
TOTAL	328	369	-41

 

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.