enable motorists to enjoy the beauty of Maryland's countryside as
they travel.

Just one more thing about Maryland highways I should like to
point out. The year 1965 saw this Administration break through the
half-billion dollar mark in converting dollars into roads. This money
has been returned to the motorist as a direct benefit for his gasoline
tax dollar. It is a record of which we can justly be proud.

In the time I have allotted myself for this message, it will not be
possible to review the activities of the many other departments and
agencies. But you will observe from your examination of the detailed
budget and the printed message that funds commensurate to their
needs for efficient and effective operation have been allowed them.
Before leaving the departments, however, I would like to comment
just briefly on the Insurance Department and its broadened and
intensified activities. Under a new directorship, great steps have been
taken by the Department for a more rigorous regulation of insurance
companies doing business in the State and for greater protection of
Maryland insurance policyholders. To carry on its stepped-up activi-
ties, more personnel, in particular, is needed, and of the total increase
of $112, 836 recommended in the budget, all but a small amount is
earmarked for new positions.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

The 695 persons who lost their lives on our highways last year
weigh heavily upon the consciences of all of us. Unfortunately, in
death-dealing traffic accidents we have a social malady for which no
cure, and no real remedy, has been discovered. But the lack of an
effective cure should not deter us in our efforts to do everything that
is possible to reduce accidents and lessen their deadly effects. In our
continuing effort to combat the rising death and accident toll, there
have been some significant developments in the area of public safety
and motor vehicle administration. As I have done in other budgets
which I have presented, again I am proposing that the strength of
the Maryland Police be increased by 40 men.

In accordance with legislation you enacted at the 1965 session,
the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles has promulgated regulations
making Maryland the first State in the nation to adopt the Vehicle
Equipment Safety Compact. In cooperation with the State Police,
the Department of Motor Vehicles has taken the necessary steps to
implement the motor-vehicle inspection law and the dealer and
salesman licensing and bonding law which you passed last year.

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