State Police Respond to Increased Traffic Fatalities with Targeted Patrol

Maryland State Police will be on the roads in full force this weekend, targeting potential crashes before they happen.

If you’re planning a quick trip, be aware that 22 Maryland State Police Department barracks will be alert and looking for aggressive driving, speeding, distracted or impaired drivers and seat belt violations. The effort comes in response to an increase in traffic fatalities.

Traffic-related deaths are up 13.5 percent across the country for the first quarter of 2012, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Maryland, there was an increase of 6 percent, according a Maryland State Police release. From Jan. 1, 2012, to July 23, 2012, there were 251 fatalities on Maryland roads, an increase of 12 deaths from 2011.

The beltway in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties will be a particular target for enforcement, according to the release. Other targeted areas are Interstate 695 and Interstate 83 in Baltimore County, Interstate 70 in Baltimore, Howard and Frederick counties and U.S. Route 301 in Prince George’s County.

“This is a statewide public safety concern and we believe focusing our attention on those areas prone to motor vehicle crashes will lead to safer travel for all motorists,” Colonel Marcus L. Brown said. “This enforcement initiative is an effective means of preventing a rise of motor vehicle crashes in Maryland. Our troopers will be out in force specifically targeting aggressive and distracted drivers, speed violators, impaired drivers, and those not wearing their seat belts.”