MDOT - Maryland Department of Transportation
12/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/18/2024 09:19
MDOT Stresses Safety to Save Lives During the Busy Holiday Travel Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Motor Vehicle Administration Highway Safety Office - 410-628-8447
State Highway Administration Communications - 410-545-0303
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Communications - 410-859-7027
Maryland Transportation Authority Communications - 410-537-1017
Maryland Transit Administration Communications - 410-767-8367
Plan Ahead to Prevent Impaired Driving These Holidays
HANOVER, MD (December 18, 2024) - As many Maryland families prepare to celebrate the holidays, the Maryland Department of Transportation is urging Marylanders and visitors to protect themselves this busy holiday travel season by driving sober, belted and focused. Put safety first, leave plenty of time for your journey and be courteous to fellow travelers.
"I urge all Marylanders to put safety first as we travel to gather with loved ones, celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. "Data shows us that serious and fatal crashes increase during the holiday season and by taking extra precautions such as slowing down, paying attention and driving sober, we can save lives and arrive alive."
In addition, MDOT is encouraging people to become familiar with and obey the "Move Over" laws that require motorists to change lanes or slow down when approaching a stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying warning signals.
Nationally, AAA is predicting a record number of people are expected to travel to close out 2024. More than 119 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home over the year-end holidays, between December 21, 2024 and January 1, 2025. This year's projection surpasses the previous record set in 2019, by about 64,000 travelers, according to AAA. Most of the travelers, 107 million, plan to go by car, while nearly 8 million plan to fly, AAA says. The rest will go by train, bus or boat, according to AAA's annual holiday survey.
DRIVE SAFELY INTO THE NEW YEAR
Highway fatalities and injuries increase during the busy holiday season, according to national transportation statistics. The Department reminds everyone traveling this holiday season that the vast majority of crashes, fatalities and injuries are preventable, and it is a great time to make new resolutions about driving safely.
Highway Safety Resolutions:
- Drive Sober. Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. Make a plan for a sober ride home.
- Buckle up. Make sure all passengers, including those in back seats, are using seat belts - it's the law.
- Slow down. Observe all posted speed limits.
- Pay Attention. Eliminate all distractions and focus only on driving.
- Share the Road. Always look twice for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
- Move Over. Always slow down or move over for all stopped, standing or parked vehicles along the roadside.
Law enforcement will be on patrol to keep roads safe and prevent traffic-related deaths, including to stop suspected impaired drivers. In addition to risking injury or death for themselves and others, those driving under the influence risk arrest, jail time, legal costs and fines.
BWI THURGOOD MARSHALL AIRPORT PREPARED FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL
Following a record-setting summer, officials at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport expect to see busy passenger traffic over the holiday travel period. The airport works closely with airline and security partners to help ensure a positive travel experience for passengers.
Travelers are reminded to give themselves plenty of time for parking, airline ticketing and the TSA security screening process. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport two hours ahead of their scheduled departure. BWI Marshall Airport offers about 25,000 parking spaces for travelers. There are an additional 3,000 spaces located nearby at the BWI Rail Station garage. Local motorists should consider using the airport's upper-level roadway, or departures level, to avoid possible traffic congestion when dropping off or picking up arriving passengers during peak periods.
The airport's website - BWIairport.com - provides real-time flight, parking and security checkpoint information. Passengers are reminded to pack carefully and to check the TSA's website - TSA.gov - for information about what items are allowed and not allowed through the security checkpoints.
TRAVEL OFF PEAK; BE PREPARED
Those traveling Maryland's highways are encouraged to travel off-peak, if possible, throughout the holidays. The State Highway Administration will suspend lane closures for non-emergency roadwork from Monday, December 23 after 5 a.m., through 9 a.m., Thursday, December 26 and after 5 a.m. on Saturday, December 28 until 9 a.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025. For live traffic cameras and real-time roadway conditions, go to chart.maryland.gov .
The State Highway Administration's Coordinated Highways Action Response Team (CHART), as well as units from the Maryland Transportation Authority, will be on patrol to help motorists with breakdowns or incidents. If you must stop for a roadside emergency, remember to first assess the situation. If you are able to remain in your vehicle while help is on the way, stay buckled and face forward. If you must exit your vehicle, stand as far away from your vehicle and the roadway as possible.
TRAVELING MARYLAND TOLL ROADS
Tolls in Maryland are collected through E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate, and Video Tolling. E-ZPass is the most cost-effective, saving drivers up to 77% versus the higher rates and saving additional paperwork that comes with Video Tolls. With Pay-By-Plate, tolls are automatically billed to the driver's registered credit card as they use Maryland toll facilities, with no need for a transponder or pre-paid deposit. Pay-By-Plate rates are the same as former cash rates. Learn more and enroll in E-ZPass or sign up for Pay-By-Plate at https://www.driveezmd.com/acct-types/ .
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police remind drivers that it is NEVER permissible to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs - whether they are illegal, prescription or over-the-counter medications. Impaired driving endangers your life and the lives of others. During the holidays, law enforcement officers will remain vigilant and target dangerous driving, seat belt violations, and criminal activity. Travelers are reminded to pay attention to their surroundings and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. If you see something, say something. If there is an emergency, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911 or dial 911.
USE TRANSIT FOR LOCAL VISITS, HOLIDAY SHOPPING
The Maryland Transit Administration's bus, light rail, metro subway and MARC services are convenient ways to travel during the holiday season to visit family and friends - and to support local businesses. With real-time technology and the Transit app it's easy to know when the next bus or train will arrive. Learn more at www.mta.maryland.gov/transit .
On Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, and New Year's Day, Wednesday, January 1, the Maryland Transit Administration will operate on a modified schedule. Local bus, light rail and metro subway will follow the Sunday/Holiday schedule. Commuter bus will operate on the "S" schedule on December 24 with the exception of Route 230, Trip 5. On December 25, commuter bus will not operate with the exception of route 201which will operate on the "S" schedule. On New Year's Eve, Metro Subway and Light Rail will operate one hour after the fireworks display. Please make your way promptly to the platforms.
MARC Train will not operate Christmas Day or New Year's Day. December 23, 24, 26 and 27, MARC Train will operate on the R schedule on all three lines.
Mobility will operate on a Holiday schedule on December 25 and January 1. Customers are asked to call the Mobility Call Center at 410-764-8181 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule rides for Christmas and New Year's Day. For the latest information on Maryland Transit Administration service, check the website at mta.maryland.gov .
MVA ONLINE SERVICES, SELF-SERVICE VEIP AND 24-HOUR KIOSKS ARE AVAILABLE
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will close all branch offices and Vehicle Emission Inspection Program (VEIP) stations on Wednesday, December 25 in observance of Christmas, and reopen for normal operations on Thursday, December 26. The Maryland MVA will also close on Wednesday, January 1 for New Year's Day, and reopen for normal operations on Thursday, January 2. The MVA self-service VEIP kiosks , online services , and 24-hour kiosks will be available during the holidays. To schedule an appointment at an MVA branch, customers can visit the Appointment Scheduler here .
The Maryland Department of Transportation wishes all Marylanders and visitors a safe, happy and healthy holiday season. Stay in touch with the department on X @MarylandDOT and on Facebook at facebook.com/MarylandDOT/ .