{"id":27368,"date":"2022-11-14T09:19:41","date_gmt":"2022-11-14T14:19:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/?p=27368"},"modified":"2022-11-14T09:19:41","modified_gmt":"2022-11-14T14:19:41","slug":"maryland-travel-safety-week-begins-as-holiday-travel-season-gets-underway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/2022\/11\/14\/maryland-travel-safety-week-begins-as-holiday-travel-season-gets-underway\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Travel Safety Week Begins as Holiday Travel Season Gets Underway"},"content":{"rendered":"

MDEM Reminds Travelers to \u201cKnow Before You Go\u201d<\/em>
\nBe Ready for Longer Travel Times<\/em>
\nComply With State\u2019s New Move Over Law<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"(decorative<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"Maryland<\/p>\n

REISTERSTOWN, MD (November 14, 2022)\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<\/strong>As the busiest travel time of the year approaches, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) wants to make sure all Maryland residents are as safe as possible as they travel during this holiday season. MDEM\u2019s Annual\u00a0Maryland Travel Safety Week\u00a0<\/em>aims to ensure that residents are equipped with the latest travel safety information as we approach this busy time of the year.<\/p>\n

One important change for drivers is the revision to the State\u2019s\u00a0 \u201cMove Over Law,\u201d which has been expanded to require motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching\u00a0ANY\u00a0<\/strong>stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying warning signals \u2013 including hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals including traffic cones, caution signs, or non-vehicular warning signs.<\/p>\n

MDEM also reminds travelers that, regardless of their mode of transportation, they should remember to \u201cKnow Before You Go\u201d and \u201cIf You See Something, Say Something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring this holiday travel season, we want to remind all Marylanders to be alert, prepared, and\u00a0 aware of their surroundings,\u201d said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. \u201cWe would like everyone to have a safe holiday season. Taking the extra time to plan before your trip and also letting authorities know if you see something suspicious makes a big difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

MDEM designated November 14-20 as\u00a0Maryland Travel Safety Week<\/em>\u00a0in preparation of the beginning of holiday travel to encourage safe travel all year on all modes of transportation. MDEM encourages travelers to learn about safe travel practices whether using roads, air, or rail, and as pedestrians and bike riders. You should also be aware of safety at various types of lodgings and at gatherings.<\/p>\n

MDEM encourages Marylanders to review some of these simple practices recommended by safety specialists covering a variety of transportation methods.<\/p>\n

Know Before You Go\u00a0\u2014<\/strong>\u00a0Do not head out for travel uninformed, unprepared, and hoping to learn about travel conditions and your destination while enroute. Check on road and traffic conditions along your route; check for last minute delays or cancellations before heading to the airport or train station; always check local weather forecasts to make sure you pack appropriate clothing and prepare for potential travel delays.<\/p>\n

If You See Something, Say Something\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<\/strong>If you see a suspicious activity, device or package, or overhear a suspicious conversation, report it immediately to a facility manager, carrier employee, or law enforcement. If you see accidents or hazards along the roadway or hiking\/biking trails, make sure to alert local law enforcement, highway officials, or parks employees so they can respond.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Safety tips when traveling by motor vehicle<\/h2>\n