The Maryland Highway Safety Foundation, a new not-for-profit organization founded to prevent collisons and save lives, was unveiled this week.


The 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. The mission of the Maryland Highway Safety Foundation is to educate motorists, prevent collisions and save lives.

The announcement was made in a room littered 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 a room of Maryland business, civic and government leaders, including MHSF Board member Anne Ferro, president & CEO of the Maryland Motor Truck Association.

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 in the hopes of reducing highway deaths in Maryland by 100 over the next three years.

"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, co-chairman of the Maryland Highway Safety Foundation.

More info: www.mdhwysafety.org