Troopers Tout Stats From Memorial Day Weekend Patrols

The Maryland State Police Department stepped up its traffic enforcement efforts over the three-day Memorial Day weekend to keep Maryland roads safe.

According to police, traffic enforcement initiatives were conducted statewide during this unofficial start to the summer travel season. During this Memorial Day weekend, troopers made numerous traffic stops focused on impaired or distracted drivers, aggressive and speeding motorists, as well as those who were not properly belted in the vehicle.

During this four day weekend over 9,500 vehicles were stopped by troopers across the state. Preliminary statistics revealed approximately 6,843 traffic citations were issued along with approximately 4,764 warnings. In addition, 99 motorists were arrested for impaired driving, 28 people were arrested for various drug offenses and 72 were arrested for various criminal violations.

Operation SHOWBOAT which focused on Route 50 from Anne Arundel County to Ocean City, Route 301 in Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties, and Route 13 in Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester Counties resulted in 691 speeding citations along with 91 additional citations for other violations. Those violations include seat belt and cell phone infractions. Police said two motorists were arrested for driving while impaired.

Operation Millipede concentrated its efforts along I-95 resulting in 125 speeding, 29 cell phone, 10 texting and 41 seat belt citations. An additional 148 citations were issued for other violations.

In an ongoing effort to educate motorists, additional initiatives will continue throughout the summer travel season. These high visibility enforcement efforts are to reduce the number of aggressive driving motor vehicle crashes in which speed, alcohol and other driving violations are contributing factors to crashes on Maryland roads. Maryland State Police will continue these initiatives in support of the Maryland Highway Safety Office’s ‘Move Toward Zero Deaths’ campaign.

About Sonya Burke

Sonya Burke is the Multimedia Manager at Montgomery Community Media (MCM). You can email story ideas at sburke@mymcmedia.org or reach her on Twitter @SonyaNBurke.

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