Maryland lawmakers weigh bill to bring crosswalk cameras to some busy intersections
Maryland lawmakers are considering a bill that would crack down on drivers who don't yield at crosswalks.
If passed, House Bill 938 would apply to Montgomery, Prince George's, and Anne Arundel counties, allowing local jurisdictions to install automated crosswalk cameras.
The bill passed the House and is now being considered in the Senate. If approved, local jurisdictions would still need to sign off on any camera installations.
How the crosswalk cameras would work
A.I. traffic safety company Obvio did a pilot study at one of the busiest crosswalks in Annapolis and found that drivers failed to yield to pedestrians 93% of the time.
State lawmakers say crosswalk cameras will hold drivers accountable.
"At the root, this bill is about pedestrian safety," said Maryland Del. Dylan Behler. "The technology would detect that there is a person in the crosswalk and that the person failed to come to a complete stop."
Drivers who don't yield could face a $65 fine, and any money collected would go back into improving sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure.
"If it will help keep pedestrians safe, sure, why not? If it helps keep drivers more accountable," said Cristine, an Arnold resident.
"I think it's an excellent idea, because then you can determine who is going to hit someone and hopefully it will cause people to pay attention," added Annapolis resident Pat Savage.
Locals say, especially in a walkable area like Annapolis, that the added accountability is welcome.
"I think it will help people who weren't aware of it before become more aware of it because there's a consequence that will happen," said Arnold resident Anna.
