The economy and a decline in traffic incidents on Maryland roads took center stage in AAA Mid-Atlantic’s annual best and worst list for 2008, released this week. As the best news, the organization highlighted a 10 percent decline in driver deaths through October and the action of rescue workers last month to save motorists trapped by a massive water main break in Bethesda. Cuts to transportation funding, record-high gas prices and a “raid” on Maryland’s Transportation Trust Fund by lawmakers topped the worst incidents.
Best of 2008:
» Free fall in gas prices
» Hometown heroes rescue stranded drivers on River Road
» From the ground up: Intercounty Connector construction project in high gear
» Traffic deaths decline in 2008
» Drunken-driving fight advances in Maryland
» Maryland’s booster seat laws close loophole
Worst Of 2008:
» The recession forcing local departments of transportation to amputate
» Gas prices hit all-time high of $4.05 in June
» Maryland’s Transportation Trust Fund raided
» Federal highway trust fund goes on life support
» Bay Bridge crash: Truck goes in, driver dies
Source: AAA Mid-Atlantic
– Aaron Cahall
