Maryland drivers urged to slow down as back-to-school traffic returns

Maryland motorists are being asked to pay closer attention to the roads as back-to-school traffic begins on Monday.

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) issued a traffic advisory on Friday, urging drivers to slow down and for pedestrians to stay vigilant, as the risk of traffic injuries rises at the start of each school year.

"With classes resuming, school zones and residential neighborhoods will see increased traffic. Parents will be dropping off students, children will be navigating new routes, and nearly 250 city crossing guards will be out each day to help families cross safely. Commutes will take longer starting Monday, so drivers should plan ahead, reduce speeds, be patient, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel," the statement read.

Students who walk to school are reminded to use marked crosswalks and follow the crossing guards' instructions. 

Motorists, however, should stay especially alert in school zones, near crosswalks, and watch for children who enter the street or emerge from parked cars.

Stop for school buses

The MVA also released an advisory, reminding motorists to stop for school buses.

Drivers should slow down when the bus begins flashing its yellow lights and make a full stop at least 20 feet from the bus when it's flashing red lights and has extended its stop arm.

Drivers who are traveling in the same direction as the school bus are always required to stop regardless of the number of lanes, and those traveling in the opposite direction must stop unless the roadway is divided, according to the MVA.

Drivers should remain stopped until the arm is retracted and the bus begins moving again.

Those who pass stopped buses should expect to receive significant penalties, including a $250 to $570 ticket, plus three points added to their driver's license.

Slow the Fast Down campaign

MDOT, along with the Maryland State Police, reminds drivers to follow important safety precautions, including but not limited to avoiding aggressive driving, looking twice before switching lanes and turning and sharing the road with other travelers.

On Monday, MDOT confirmed that eight people were killed in Maryland roadway crashes during the past week. Last year, 485 people died on Maryland roadways.

In July, Gov. Moore rolled out a new safe driving campaign, 'Slow the Fast Down', in partnership with MDOT, aimed at reducing the number of Maryland roadway fatalities.

So far, in 2026, more than 4,000 Maryland drivers have been cited for driving more than 30 MPH over the speed limit. In the U.S., 42,795 lives are lost annually due to speeding.

Click here to learn more about the "Slow the Fast Down" campaign.