Troopers Remind Travelers To "Drive As If Their Lives Depend On It"

From the Maryland State Police

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – The Thanksgiving holiday period is the busiest travel time of the year and the Maryland State Police want to remind those traveling to drive safely because their lives and the lives of others may depend on it.

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 holiday season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32,885 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes during 2010 and 10,228 of those fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers.

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown has ordered traffic safety initiatives to be conducted throughout the state. Those initiatives include DUI saturation patrols, as well as focused efforts on speed enforcement and aggressive and distracted driving. “With the increased traffic on the roads during this traveling season, arriving safely should be drivers’ number one priority,” Colonel Brown said. “There will be extra patrols and cooperative enforcement initiatives with local law enforcement agencies targeting drunk, aggressive, and distracted drivers, as well as those exceeding the speed limit, refusing to wear their seatbelts, or not having a child properly placed in a safety seat.”

Thanksgiving weekend is the traditional start of the holiday shopping season and troopers are encouraging motorists to look out for pedestrians, especially around shopping areas. There were 85 pedestrian fatalities from January 1, 2011 through November 14, 2011. While overall pedestrian fatalities have dropped to 72 for the same time this year, some areas have experienced increases. Many housing developments are in close proximity to shopping malls. Shoppers may not be giving their full time and attention to their surroundings, drivers need to look out for them.

To stay safe this Thanksgiving season, the Maryland State Police recommend motorists plan ahead, be courteous and be patient when traveling. Drivers should not text or make any handheld cell phone calls. Always reduce as many distractions as possible while driving. If you find yourself impaired, call a friend or family member, use public transportation, or call a cab. If you see a driver you think is impaired or driving their vehicle in an unsafe manner, keep a safe distance and contact law enforcement.

The additional State Police patrols are in support of the Maryland Highway Safety Office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiatives. 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.