MACo submitted testimony in support of Senate Bill 872, “Vehicle Law – Special Event Zones”, to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on February 27, 2018.

This bill allows local jurisdictions to establish special event zones on their roads where they can lower speed limits and control the flow of pedestrian and vehicle traffic during a special event. This gives county and local governments another tool to keep people safe during certain functions in the community.

From MACo Testimony:

MACo supports this bill as a tool in counties’ toolboxes to keep their residents and visitors safe during special events. According to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 92 pedestrian fatalities in Maryland in 2015 (the most recent year for which data was publicly available). Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state, with 1.53 pedestrian fatalities per every 100,000 residents. Alcohol involvement – for the driver, pedestrian, or both – was reported in nearly half of all fatal pedestrian crashes nationwide.

As counties host special events to promote tourism, economic development, and quality of life in their communities, it is imperative that they maintain as many tools as possible to keep attendees safe.”

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2018 legislative session here.