What Recent Car Accident Data Reveals About Road Safety in Maryland

If you have driven through Baltimore recently, you have likely seen your fair share of near-misses, fender benders, and flashing lights on the shoulder. It is no surprise then that recent data paints a vivid and somewhat concerning picture of road safety in Maryland. Whether you are a daily commuter or an occasional traveler, understanding the reasons for car accidents can help you drive more cautiously and stay safer behind the wheel.

Maryland’s Car Accident Snapshot

According to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Baltimore City is at the epicenter of many of the state’s crashes. Although the city only accounts for around 9.8% of the state’s population, it makes up 16.5% of its traffic accidents. That means your odds of getting into a crash in Baltimore are about 1.7 times higher than elsewhere in the state.

On the flip side, Baltimore contributes only about 9% of Maryland’s traffic fatalities. So while crashes are more frequent in the city, they are less likely to be deadly, likely due to urban traffic speeds being lower and emergency services being more accessible.

A Closer Look at 2022 Crash Statistics

The most recent crash data available from 2022 shows that Baltimore experienced 16,165 car accidents that year. That figure continues a downward trend that began in 2018 and is lower than the city’s five-year average of 17,313 crashes.

Below is how those numbers break down:

• 45 accidents involved at least one fatality
• 5,054 crashes caused injuries
• 11,066 incidents resulted in property damage only

In total, more than 8,000 people were injured in traffic collisions in Baltimore alone, including 910 pedestrians and bicyclists. These numbers show just how widespread and serious traffic incidents can be, even when they are not fatal.

When and Where Accidents Happen Most

Timing plays a big role in accident trends. The most dangerous time to drive in Baltimore is during the afternoon rush, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., which accounts for over 21% of all local crashes. Fridays and Saturdays are particularly high-risk. Fridays see the most injury-causing crashes, while Saturdays lead in fatalities.

Seat belt use also significantly affects injury outcomes. In 2022, about 26.7% of people not wearing seat belts were injured or killed, compared to only 17.9% of those who were belted. It is a small habit that makes a big difference.

What’s Causing These Accidents?

While road design and vehicle issues can contribute, most accidents stem from human behavior. In Maryland, and especially in Baltimore, the leading causes of accidents are:

• Speeding: Though not always cited in every crash report, it remains one of the top causes of fatal accidents. High speeds reduce reaction time and control.
• Distracted driving: Whether it is texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio, distractions were a factor in about 35% of Maryland’s traffic fatalities in 2022. Shockingly, 52% of injury accidents also involved a distracted driver.
• Impaired driving: Though the number of fatalities caused by drunk or drugged driving dropped from 186 in 2020 to 146 in 2022, it remains a persistent issue.

What Can Drivers Do?

Staying safe on Maryland roads starts with awareness. Knowing the riskiest times to drive, the areas most prone to crashes, and the behaviors that lead to collisions can empower drivers to make smarter choices.

Simple actions like wearing a seat belt, avoiding your phone, and slowing down in high-traffic areas can dramatically reduce your risk. If you have already been involved in an accident, understanding your legal options and knowing where to turn for help can also make all the difference in your recovery.

Conclusion

Car accidents in Maryland, particularly in Baltimore, are more common than many realize. But the data is not all bad news because fatalities are relatively low, and awareness is growing. The key takeaway? A better understanding of the reason for car accidents can lead to smarter driving decisions and safer roads for everyone. So the next time you buckle up, take a deep breath, put your phone down, and remember, you play a major role in making Maryland’s roads safer.