Maryland Senate discusses speed cameras in highway safety corridors

House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 520 are set to enhance road safety in Maryland by allowing the State Highway Administration to install near-speed cameras in designated safety corridors. These corridors are identified as high-risk areas for vulnerable road users, according to the administration's Pedestrian Safety Action Plan.

During a recent Judicial Proceedings Committee meeting, discussions highlighted the importance of these safety corridors, which are segments of state highways deemed critical for protecting pedestrians and other vulnerable users. April, a representative from the State Highway Administration, explained that these priority corridors are determined through a thorough assessment that utilizes six years of data to pinpoint high-risk areas on Maryland's roadways.

Currently, there are 13 pedestrian safety action plan corridors under development, covering 34 miles of the state's 17,824 lane miles. Notably, these corridors account for 20% of fatal crashes in Maryland, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.

The committee's focus on these bills reflects a growing commitment to improving road safety and protecting vulnerable populations. As the legislation moves forward, the implementation of near-speed cameras in these identified corridors could significantly reduce accidents and save lives.