Lower speed limits on Crain Hwy Rt 301

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) take immediate action to improve safety conditions along Crain Highway (U.S. 301) in the area surrounding 898 Crain Highway by:
Reducing the posted speed limit to 45 miles per hour, and

Increasing enforcement measures including the installation of additional speed limit signage and speed cameras.

This stretch of roadway is notoriously dangerous, with multiple accidents occurring monthly, as confirmed by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Crash Data Dashboard (Zero Deaths Maryland). According to MDOT’s data:
In Anne Arundel County, crashes are 72.3% less likely when the speed limit is 45 mph instead of 55 mph.

In Prince George’s County, that risk is reduced by 74.2% under the same conditions.

Crain Highway (U.S. 301) passes through both counties, directly impacting residents and commuters alike. Recently, on July 15, 2025, a man was tragically killed in a crash in Charles County along this same route. Local residents have repeatedly voiced their concerns about unsafe driving conditions.
Reddit users from r/Maryland, a community of local residents, have commented:
“Just a word of caution, there can be some very aggressive drivers that far exceed the speed limit on stretches of 301...”
“Route 301/Crain Highway in Maryland... The speed limit is 55 mph but obviously people speed and regularly go much faster...”
In addition to dangerous driving behavior, this corridor suffers from hazardous road geometry, which further increases the risk of crashes, especially at higher speeds.
We urge MDOT SHA to take these facts into account and prioritize public safety by lowering the speed limit to 45 mph and implementing stronger enforcement mechanisms.