Government, business, civic leaders unveil Maryland Highway Safety Foundation

Foundation leaders announced a call-to-action for 100 businesses in Maryland, representing at least 100,000 employees, to pledge change within their organizations related to motorist safety. The goal is to reduce highway deaths in Maryland by 100 over the next three years.

The Trucker Staff

10/31/2008

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Highway Safety Foundation (MHSF) was unveiled here Thursday. Amid a room scattered with 615 pairs of shoes representing the number of deaths on Maryland’s roads in 2007, the foundation’s goals and vision were shared with Maryland business, civic and government leaders.

“The Maryland Highway Safety Foundation is an education organization established to change the culture of Maryland motorists by emphasizing that vehicles are indeed a potential weapon, and when abused either through driver error or negligence, can lead to severe injury and death, devastating families and communities,” said David H. Nevins, foundation co-chairman.

The formation of the Maryland Highway Safety Foundation was the result of a team of concerned business and civic leaders committed to working with government leaders to reduce highway deaths in Maryland, push public policy initiatives and educate the motoring public on safer driving practices.

Foundation leaders also announced a call-to-action for 100 businesses in Maryland, representing at least 100,000 employees, to pledge change within their organizations related to motorist safety. The goal is to reduce highway deaths in Maryland by 100 over the next three years.

“There is no greater or more sacred responsibility we have in state government than to protect and preserve the safety of our citizens,” said Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. “The Maryland Highway Safety Foundation is a unique collaborative effort among our partners in the private-sector, demonstrating that it is the responsibility of all Maryland citizens to keep the roads of our state safe.”

Anne Ferro, president and CEO of the Maryland Motor Truck Association, serves on the foundation’s board of directors.

“Safety and safe truck operations are critical to a trucker’s bottom line and to the quality of his and his family’s life,” Ferro told The Trucker. “MMTA is glad to be part of the MHSF effort to bring this business case to other companies around the state and to encourage them to require safe driving by their employees.”

The Maryland Highway Safety Foundation is dedicated to improving highway safety and has been established to coincide with the Maryland State Highway Administration’s 100th anniversary of modern road building in Maryland.

Reese Ruppersberger will lead the organization as the executive director.