Working to reduce injuries and save lives through planning, research, program development, and implementation.
Services
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Planning and Collaboration
-Strategic planning for highway safety and research plan development.
-Stakeholder collaboration for needs assessments, training, and program implementation.
-Technical Assistance for conference planning.
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Program Development and Implementation
-Problem identification and program design to meet needs.
-Application of Implementation Mapping to build and start programs.
-Technical assistance for program planning and state requirements.
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Research and Reporting
-Research services including literature reviews and questionnaire development.
-Technical assistance for approval processes.
-Technical writing and Quality Assurance Review.
About
Mary T. Byrd, MA
Founder
Mary Byrd is a national leader in behavioral traffic safety research and occupant protection with more than fifteen years at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As the lead for the national seat belt program, she directed evidence‑based initiatives, managed a $12M annual budget, oversaw a $25M research and program portfolio, and delivered more than 200 national presentations. Her work strengthened federal–state partnerships, advanced rural and high‑risk seat belt programs, and produced more than fifty technical reports supporting national safety priorities.
Mary has long contributed to national transportation safety communities through her roles with the Transportation Research Board’s Occupant Protection Committee and the Lifesavers Conference planning committee. In 2025, she founded Byrd Research and Consulting, where she provides national expertise in program development, implementation, and strategic planning for contractors, nonprofit organizations, and state highway safety partners.
She began her career in human factors research at National Public Radio Labs and holds a Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology from Towson University, graduating summa cum laude. Mary is a certified COR II, a graduate of American University’s Aspiring Leadership Program, and a Project Management Professional (PMP®) examination candidate.
Mary lives in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland with her husband, three children, and their dog. She also serves as a substitute teacher in Calvert County Public Schools and volunteers with her local church and food pantry.