Maryland Launches Public Survey Seeking Feedback On Work Zone Safety

BALTIMORE COUNTY - On Thursday, Lt. Governor Aruna Miller provided a comprehensive update on the progress of the Work Zone Safety Work Group - six months after the tragic deaths of six highway workers on I-695 in Baltimore County.

The highlight of the presentation was the announcement of a new public survey initiative, asking residents to share their thoughts on how to enhance safety in work zones.

"Our goal is clear – ensure the safety of our roadway workers. However, the staggering number of accidents in our work zones highlights a pressing need for a shift in driver behavior. This is a call for Marylanders to actively engage and contribute to making our work zones safer," Lt. Gov. Miller said.

The survey is available on the MTA's website until October 12. Maryland Highway Safety Office staff can administer the survey in person for those visiting Motor Vehicle branch offices throughout the state.

The Work Zone Safety Work Group, announced in April 2023, consists of professionals from various transportation sectors, including law enforcement officers, labor leaders, traffic engineers, highway safety experts, and highway workers.

Spearheaded by Governor Wes Moore and chaired by Lt. Gov. Miller, a former transportation engineer herself, the work group aims to present a detailed set of recommended actions by year's end.

The objective? Protect roadway workers and curtail accidents within construction sites on Maryland highways. Among the strategies under consideration are revisions to work zone setups, intensified law enforcement measures, and heightened driver education. The group is contemplating a mix of regulatory, executive, and legislative actions to achieve these goals.

According to the work group, roughly 1,000 roadway workers perform essential improvements and repairs to the state's transportation infrastructure across more than 300 work sites daily.

"For our road workers, these work zones are their workplaces. It's crucial for everyone to slow down and abide by the law," said William Pines, State Highway Administrator.

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