PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Indian Head Highway, or MD-210, runs about 20 miles and connects DC with parts of both Prince George’s and Charles counties, but the convenience comes at a cost. Since 2007, 91 people have died on this stretch of road - ten people in 2022 alone, according to Ron Weiss, a founding member of the 210 traffic safety committee. The bill, being proposed for the third time, would increase fines for excessive speeding and repeat offenders.
"We want people to get to work and get home safely. We don’t want anybody to die," said Weiss.
The 210 Traffic Safety Committee is made up of at least six members who have met monthly for the last six years. They believe raising speeding citations will save lives.
Right now, the fine is $40 for anyone driving 11 mph over the speed limit, even if speeds reach dangerous levels. Drivers have been caught speeding over 150 mph on MD-210.
Drivers speeding over 107 mph could result in a fine of up to $530. Repeat violators and those who collect multiple infractions within two yeas could face additional fines of $350, according to the bill.
Opponents say it’s a way to make money off Charles County residents driving through Prince George’s County to get to work.
"Any net revenue from the cameras goes by law to state highway to improve Indian Head Highway safety," said Weiss.
With 129 fatal crashes in Prince George’s County — the highest in the state according to the Maryland Department of Transportation — Weiss says dangerous drivers should be more of a priority.
"The problem is we don't have we don't have officers. They're focused on homicides, carjackings and protecting people in their homes and their businesses. That's why we're we're looking at speed cameras [to] take up the slack, because we don't have the the officer enforcement that really we need," Weiss said.
Three more cameras are set to be installed in the coming months on 210, from previous legislation passed. Weiss says the bill will be introduced to the Maryland General Assembly when they’re back in session January 10th.