Driver error is large factor in list of accident-prone routes

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - The blinking “hot spots” on computerized traffic maps. That intersection littered with shattered glass and twisted pieces of car trim. The handmade roadside memorials. Some stretches of road just seem to be accident-prone.

But determining which roads present the biggest hazard to motorists is not a clear-cut task.

The Maryland State Police regularly compile accident records by route. These statistics take into consideration the number of injuries and fatalities, which, with other factors, are combined to determine a severity index. Routes that are most frequently cited for accidents include Md. 2 (Anne Arundel County), Interstate 695 (Baltimore County), U.S. 140 (Carroll County), U.S. 40 (Harford County) and Interstate 95 (Howard County), according to Maryland police reports. Other jurisdictions, including local police departments, sheriff’s offices and automobile insurance companies, also issue lists of perceived trouble spots.

But lists of so-called trouble spots are misleading, according to David Buck, spokesman for the Maryland State Highway Administration.

“Ninety percent of accidents can be attributed to driver error,” he said but added the amount of traffic handled by a road is often overlooked. “A road is only as dangerous as a driver makes it.”

Proper drivers’ education is one key to making roads safer, said Raja Faiz. As owner of My Driving School in Woodlawn, he stresses learning and obeying traffic laws. He said much of driving can be broken into basic maneuvers — careful merging, signaling and making safe lane changes, and maintaining proper speed. But he also noted the importance of drivers’ emotional states before getting behind the wheel.

“If you’re upset or angry about something, calm down first,” he said.

“Obey the laws,” echoed Cpl. Michael Hill, spokesman for the Baltimore County Police Department. Too often, “the car radio is on, there’s a cell phone in one hand and a cigarette in the other. If drivers would just pay more attention to what they’re doing, we would have fewer unfortunate accidents,” he said.

Alcohol, speed and aggression are additional factors, he said.

Even policemen have to contend with traffic when they’re behind the wheel. Hill said he drives “everywhere” and does not let an area’s reputation deter him.

“Just use due caution and care,” he said.

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