Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown has ordered traffic safety initiatives to be conducted throughout the state. Troopers from each of the 22 state police installations will be out working a variety of enforcement programs. These initiatives will include DUI saturation patrols, speed enforcement as well as aggressive and distracted driving. Troopers are joining forces with local law enforcement and the Maryland Highway Safety Office to remind motorists that driving while impaired or distracted is not a good way to start the summer travel season.
“Our enforcement efforts focus on reducing fatalities and protecting the citizens of Maryland,” said Colonel Brown. “We hope motorists realize the dangers involved in distracted and impaired driving, to the point where they modify their driving habits to help protect themselves, their families, and others on the roads.”
Last year in Maryland, there were two fatal collisions on Memorial Day. In both of these crashes, alcohol was a contributing factor.
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 3,092 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2010. An estimated additional 416,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver. That same year, eleven percent of fatal crashes reported were listed as distraction-affected crashes.
High visibility enforcement is planned on Maryland roads, with a special emphasis on interstates and major highways where the majority of travel will be occurring. Overtime funding for additional patrols will be provided by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office.
Submitted:
Maryland State Police
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