Strategic Road Safety Plan
Howard County is recognized as one of the best places to live in the United States and is characterized by low unemployment, a highly educated population, low crime, a nationally recognized education system, and is one of the safest jurisdictions in the state to drive, take the bus, walk, and bike. However, crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injuries for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists in both Maryland and Howard County and ensuring and improving the safety and health of Howard County’s residents, visitors, and travelers is a county goal and priority. In recognition of this fact, the Office of Transportation initiated a project, in coordination with county and state agencies, to develop the Howard County Strategic Road Safety Plan.
The Howard County Strategic Road Safety Plan serves as a roadmap to guide county policies and actions to reduce the number of traffic-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities using a comprehensive and strategic approach based on the four Es of traffic safety: Engineering, Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Medical Services. The Plan also aligns with the state of Maryland’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan in an effort to reach zero traffic fatalities.
The Howard County Strategic Road Safety Plan is guided by a core vision:
To prevent all traffic crash-related fatalities and serious injuries and to reduce the number and severity of crashes in Howard County
To meet this vision the Strategic Road Safety Plan developed:
- Data driven and achievable goals and targets
- Selection of emphasis areas with the greatest impact on safety
- Proven and effective cooperative strategies to meet the plan goals
This method results in realistic, data-driven, and achievable goals and targets:
- A 2040 goal to reduce number of fatalities by at least 50%.
- A 2025 target to reduce the rate of fatalities by 20% to 0.35 / per 100 Million vehicle miles traveled.
- A 2025 target to reduce the rate of injuries by 20% to 28.80 / per 100 Million vehicle miles traveled.
- A 2025 target to reduce the rate of serious injuries by 19% to 2.35 / per 100 Million vehicle miles traveled.
To read the full plan, click here.
