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      enforcement of Maryland's new primary seat belt law will continue.
      As in the past few years, the "Aggressive Driver" campaign which targets
      infractions such as speeding, erratic lane changes, tailgating, failure
      to observe traffic control devices and failure to use directional
      signals will be continued. The State Police are now utilizing
      "Aggressive Driver Imaging and Enforcement," a unit that combines a
      laser devise that detects speed and distance, a video camera, a still
      camera, and an interactive computer system. The unit detects a traffic
      violator, records the moving image, photographs the vehicles to include
      the rear license plate, registers the speeds, and logs the data in a
      computer.

      At the local level there have been several enforcement and educational
      initiatives aimed at reducing speeding in school zones and efforts to
      emphasize and publicize the dangers of running red lights, including the
      placement of cameras at some high accident intersections to record
      violations. The registered owners of the offending vehicles were sent
      warning letters.

      Occupant Protection.

      MDOT is active in the area of Occupant Protection through several
      programs encouraging child safety seat and seat belt use. These programs
      involve education, training and enforcement. Last year Maryland was
      successful in enhancing its secondary enforcement seat belt law to one
      with a primary or standard enforcement provision. Since this new law
      became effective on October 1, 1997 an extensive public awareness and
      education campaign has been underway. There has also been significant
      activity in educating the public on the importance and proper use of
      child safety seats.

      Motorcycle/Bicycle Safety.

      Since the mandatory universal motorcycle helmet use law was passed in
      1992 motorcycle fatalities and injuries have decreased by 52%. Annual
      attempts to repeal this law continue to provide special challenges to
      Maryland's highway safety community. A primary emphasis area of the
      State's motorcycle safety program is aimed at promoting public awareness
      and educational initiatives concerning motorcycle safety and helmet use.
      The Motor Vehicle Administration operates the Motorcycle Rider Training
      Program as part of this emphasis on education.

      While bicycle fatalities have remained fairly low, bicycle safety has
      continued to receive attention by the Department. A mandatory bicycle
      helmet law went into effect in 1995 requiring riders under 16 years of
      age to wear helmets. The focus of the Department has been on education
      through bicycle safety rodeos and other programs including a program
      that provides discounted bicycle helmets to children. The Department
      also has a policy to facilitate bicycle safety on highways by
      constructing wide curb lanes and paved shoulders, and installing
      bicycle-safe storm drain grates.

      Pedestrian Safety.

      Pedestrian fatalities and injuries have remained fairly constant over
      the last several years. A comprehensive analysis of the causes and
      contributing factors of pedestrian accidents will be undertaken and
      appropriate countermeasures will be developed. Pedestrian safety is
      being improved through the construction of new sidewalks. A $2 million
      per year sidewalk retrofit program is underway and will continue.

      Transit Safety.

      The Department is also committed to providing effective and safe public
      transportation. MTA's bus drivers and rail vehicle operators receive
      extensive safety training, buses and rail vehicles and maintained and
      inspected on a regular basis and the MTA's police force of over 150
      officers have proven to be effective in providing a safe and secure
      environment for transit patrons.

      Security is enhanced by a Governor mandate that a uniformed police
      officer be on every Light Rail train and on many of the buses operating
      in downtown Baltimore. All of the Light Rail vehicles and the newer
      buses are equipped with video cameras. Metro Subway stations in
      Baltimore are staffed with station attendants and police, and one Light
      Rail station is monitored by video camera equipment. A program to
      install video surveillance equipment at all Light Rail stations is
      underway.

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