Kristopher Marrion of Maryland calls on residents to take simple, life-saving actions to protect drivers and support neighbors in need.
ELKRIDGE, MD / ACCESS Newswire / February 27, 2026 / Kristopher Marrion, Vice President and Branch Manager at Erie Insurance's Branch in Maryland, announced a community awareness initiative focused on roadway safety education for new drivers and expanded volunteer support for local families in need. Drawing on decades of experience serving Maryland communities and a deep commitment to public service, Marrion is advocating for everyday actions that individuals and families can take to make roads safer and strengthen local support networks.
"Every year in the United States, more than 40,000 people lose their lives in traffic crashes," said Marrion. "That's not a statistic. That's 40,000 stories cut short too soon. If each of us takes a few simple steps-like practicing safe driving habits with our teens and understanding roadway risks-we can make our communities safer."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes cost more than $340 billion annually in economic and societal losses and remain a leading cause of death for people ages 1-54. In Maryland alone, recent data shows significant numbers of traffic fatalities involving younger drivers and distracted driving incidents.
Marrion is working with the Howard County Police Foundation's Collision Avoidance Training (CAT) program to reinforce critical safety behaviors in teens and new drivers. The monthly CAT sessions pair new drivers with trained police officers to experience real-world driving scenarios and learn how to avoid common hazards.
"When a young driver sits behind the wheel and sees how quickly a situation can go from simple to dangerous, something clicks," said Marrion. "We want every family in Maryland to treat safe driving as a non-negotiable skill, not an option."
Community Support Through Action
In addition to roadway safety, Marrion emphasized the importance of ongoing support for vulnerable community members. This year's initiative expands volunteer engagement with:
Gilchrist Hospice - bringing comfort and support to patients and families through time and presence.
Rebuilding Baltimore - helping homeowners in need repair and maintain safe living conditions.
Rainbow Community Center - distributing food and essentials to residents facing food insecurity.
"Community doesn't start and stop at a front door," Marrion said. "It's the person next to you in traffic. It's the family struggling to put food on the table. It's the neighbor who needs a hand with home repairs. Every effort matters."
What You Can Do
Marrion is urging individuals and families across Maryland to take actionable steps that contribute to a safer, more supportive community:
Commit to safe driving practices - model seatbelt use, avoid distracted driving, and discuss defensive driving strategies with young drivers.
Attend local safety workshops - participate in programs like CAT or partner events through community organizations.
Volunteer locally - help neighbors through food distribution, home repair efforts, or community outreach programs.
Support organizations financially or with time - even small contributions help expand vital services.
"Advocating for change doesn't require a title or a budget," said Marrion. "It starts with intentional habits and the willingness to show up for one another."
About Roadway Safety and Community Well-Being
Roadway safety and community support are deeply connected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional injuries from motor vehicle crashes represent one of the most preventable causes of death in the U.S. Meanwhile, community engagement helps build resilience, reduce isolation, and improve overall well-being for residents of all ages.
By encouraging Marylanders to adopt safe driving habits, support local safety programs, and volunteer for community causes, Marrion hopes to reduce preventable harm and increase positive community outcomes.
About Kristopher Marrion
Kristopher Marrion is Vice President and Branch Manager for Erie Insurance. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Marrion has served in multiple leadership roles and is deeply committed to community service in Maryland. He actively partners with the Howard County Police Foundation, supports Gilchrist Hospice, volunteers with Rebuilding Baltimore, and assists with food distribution at the Rainbow Community Center.
Media Contact
www.kristophermarrion.com
SOURCE: Kristopher Marrion
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
