Maryland Traffic Deaths Plummet to Decade Low in 2025

State sees 18% drop in fatalities, with pedestrian and bicyclist deaths down 33%

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New data from the Maryland Department of Transportation shows that traffic-related deaths across the state fell by approximately 18% in 2025, marking the first time statewide traffic deaths have fallen below 500 since 2014. The most notable declines were among pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities, which plummeted by 33% from 2024 to 2025, as well as a 46% drop in motorcycle fatalities.

Why it matters

The decline in traffic deaths in Maryland is a significant public safety achievement, reflecting the state's focus on data-driven strategies and investments to improve road safety, particularly in high-risk corridors. This progress aligns with the Moore administration's goal of protecting all Marylanders and ensuring they can move safely through their communities.

The details

According to officials, the improved figures were the result of investments made to "high-risk corridors and a focus on reducing behaviors most likely to lead to serious crashes." The Maryland Department of Transportation has accelerated quick-build safety improvement projects and invested millions through the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan to curb speeding near active work sites. Impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive driving continue to be leading causes of crashes in the state.

  • In 2025, Maryland totaled 480 traffic deaths.
  • The 2025 figures represent one of the five lowest annual traffic fatality counts since 1960.

The players

Wes Moore

The Governor of Maryland, who stated that protecting the people is the state's top priority and that the decline in motor vehicle fatalities shows the impact of urgent, data-driven strategies.

Maryland Department of Transportation

The state agency that compiled the data showing the decline in traffic deaths and has accelerated safety improvement projects and investments to improve road safety.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is no greater priority than protecting our people. The decline we're seeing in motor vehicle fatalities shows that when we act with urgency and data-driven strategies, we can save lives — and we will not let up because every Marylander should be able to move safely through our communities.”

— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland (Maryland Governor's Office)

The takeaway

Maryland's significant progress in reducing traffic deaths, particularly among vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, demonstrates the impact of targeted, data-driven safety initiatives. This achievement underscores the state's commitment to protecting all residents and creating safer transportation networks, setting an example for other states to follow.