In Montgomery County, there has been a big rise in the amount of car crashes. Community members have grown increasingly apprehensive and are raising concerns about public safety.
According to the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCDP), there were 3 fatal crashes in Sept. 2023 alone. On the contrary, in Sept. 2022, there were 0 deadly collisions. The MCDP previously reported on this alarming trend in 2021 when they noted that the amount of collisions had only been increasing since 2017. Furthermore, on USA Today’s fatal car crash statistics, Maryland was listed with a 12% increase from 2019 to 2022.
Montgomery County made efforts to curb the rising of car accidents in 2017 through Vision Zero plan. This project intended to terminate severe harm and fatalities on the road by 2030 through the implementation of various projects and activities. So far, they have added new bikeways, sidewalks, signals and beacons throughout the county. Additionally, more arrests have been made for impaired drivers and speed limits were decreased in many crucial areas.
Numerous members of Montgomery County who were worried about safety provided feedback through Vision Zero surveys. They also shared some of their main priorities with officials. These included fixing sidewalks, expanding bike paths, creating safer road crossing points and improving poor driver habits. Officials were then able to use this input to make informed decisions.
Overall, these efforts have contributed to making Montgomery County safer. According to Montgomery County’s Vision Data Analysis, Montgomery County was under the Maryland and U.S. average rates of fatal collisions for 2015 to 2019. Moreover, Montgomery County had the third lowest deadly collision rate in comparison to 9 surrounding counties and cities.
Nevertheless, the issue of the rise in car accidents is still in the county today. In early Sept. 2023, ABC 7 News reported on a deadly crash on East West Highway. About 2 weeks before that, WUSA 9 similarly reported on a dangerous car collision involving 4 cars close to Georgia Avenue. In addition, this issue does not just apply to Montgomery County, rather it impacts a large part of the U.S. As stated by USA Today, the quantity of fatal automobile incidents in the U.S. was elevated by over 16% from 2018 to 2022.
This problem stems from the irresponsible drivers that occupy the roads. Young drivers and elderly drivers are distinctly more susceptible to collisions. Zero Deaths Maryland also listed some of the main reasons for car crashes and this includes rapid, belligerent, inattentive and impaired driving. Attempts to fix these foundational issues, along with the formation of stricter policies, may greatly reduce the number of accidents. Particularly, seat belts and car seats have been proven to decrease the risk of harm during a collision.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich urges people to put in individual efforts to reduce the amount of car accidents. “Do your part by putting your phone away while driving, buckling up for every trip and every seat, never drive impaired, and always obey the speed limit,” Elrich said.
Sherwood High School sophomore Story Thorson echoed Elrich’s sentiments. She said, “It worries me that my peers and I are in danger because of dangerous drivers. We should spread awareness about this so people know to be more careful.”
Although the issue of abundant automobile incidents is far from being resolved, the support of the community and aid of county officials can make Montgomery County a safer place.
Article written by Nisha Khatri of Sherwood High School
Photo courtesy of photo courtesy of Flickr