BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Janet Hardy, Nelson Sims, Alisa Cellentano and Brijae Harris all had one thing in common — the state Medical Examiner’s Office.

That’s where they ended up after becoming fatalities on Maryland’s roadways. State transportation officials say the three deaths were as preventable as they are unacceptable.

 “The ultimate goal is to have zero fatalities on roads” all across the state, said Maryland State Police Superintendent Terrence Sheridan, who was among several guest speakers Monday for the start of the state’s Choose Safety for Life campaign. The kickoff,  hosted by the Medical Examiner’s Office, serves as an education and public awareness initiative for encouraging

motorists to make the right choices.

The State Highway Administration reports more than 600 people die in traffic crashes in Maryland in each year — exceeding the number of people killed in homicides. 

“The families and friends who have lost loved ones behind traffic fatalities know more than anyone that there are real people behind the statistics,”  said state Transportation Secretary John Pocari. “They represent a silent epidemic in Maryland and across the nation,” he added, alluding to Monique Glover, whose 7-year-old daughter Brijae Harris died in 2001 after being hit by a drunk driver while walking to school.

Glover said she believes the safety campaign is a start to save more lives on the roads.

“But it’s not all up to the state because Maryland can’t do it all alone.” Glover said. “It starts with the driver who needs to exercise caution first, and ends with the state” enforcing initiatives to reduce fatalities.

 Medical Examiner David Fowler said more than 500 crash victims are brought to his office every year.

“We see a steady and constant stream of people come through this place that shouldn’t be here,” Fowler said.

The campaign coincides with Baltimore County police and law enforcement agencies in the tri-state area’s aggressive Click It or Ticket project to ensure drivers and their passengers buckle up. Violators face $25 tickets.

Robert Bass, executive director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System, said seat belts can prevent many fatal blows to crash victims.

“We would rather prevent crashes than respond to them — that’s why it’s so important to wear seat belts.” 

drowley@baltimoreexaminer.com