Prince George's County Has the Highest Crash Rate in the Region!

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Pandemic speeding tickets skyrocketed in this Maryland work zone

(Click on the above image for Nick Iannelli's WTOP report)

• We heard a lot about drivers generally speeding more often and behaving more recklessly in 2020 because there were fewer vehicles on the roads during the coronavirus pandemic, and a new study from AAA mid-Atlantic provides specific evidence related to that.
• The study focuses on the bridge replacement work zone on the Capital Beltway above the Suitland Parkway in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
• According to the study, 105,362 speed camera tickets were given out in that particular area throughout 2020. That represents a nearly 12% increase over the year before, when 94,308 speed camera tickets were issued there.
• “This Beltway work zone sees 71.9 million vehicles per year,” said John Townsend, a spokesman for AAA mid-Atlantic. “Despite conspicuous warning signs in its work zones, an average of 300 speeders were ticketed per day in 2020.”
• Another Maryland work zone that saw a ton of speed camera tickets during the pandemic was along the northbound side of Indian Head Highway, also known as Md. Route 210, between Kerby Hill and Palmer roads.
• Over the course of last year, 3,358 drivers received tickets for speeding through that area. That is a 49.7% increase over the year before, when 2,243 drivers were given tickets there.
• John Townsend's press release adds: State Troopers ticketed drivers clocked going as fast as 105 miles per hour along the Capital Beltway’s 55 mph speed limit.

MDTA Police Conduct High Visibility Enforcement across Maryland

•  In response to concerns about unsafe driving behaviors and the rising number of traffic deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police enhanced its traffic safety enforcement and awareness efforts across Maryland on Monday. Officers from all MDTA Police detachments – MDTA toll bridges, tunnels and highways; BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport; and the Port of Baltimore – participated in the initiative, which stretched across eight counties and Baltimore City.
• “Last year, 569 members of our families, workplaces and communities tragically lost their lives on Maryland roadways while driving, riding, walking or biking,” said MDTA Police Chief Colonel Kevin M. Anderson. “What’s the single most important step to protect yourself and your loved ones before you even start the ignition? Making sure you and everyone in your vehicle is buckled.” 
• MDTA Police Officers conducted 707 traffic stops during the initiative. Officers arrested one driver suspected of being impaired, and two persons wanted on open warrants for criminal charges. During one arrest, a Baltimore man was taken into custody on an open warrant through the Baltimore Police Department for his alleged role in an assault case involving a firearm.
• MDTA Police patrol officers were supported by specialized units such as the agency’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Unit, Criminal Investigations Unit, Homeland Enforcement and Traffic (HEAT) Team and Motors Unit. The MDTA Police also partnered with the Maryland State Police, Anne Arundel County Police and the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff during the initiative.
• The MDTA Police encourages all motorists to “Be the driver who saves lives” and work together as partners to help make Maryland’s roadways safe for all users. Please remember to:
              - Obey posted speed limits.
              - Buckle up. Every seat. Every time. Day and night.
              - MOVE OVER for emergency vehicles, tow trucks and service vehicles.
              - Avoid distractions and devote your full attention to the road.
              - Watch for motorcycles, bikes and pedestrians.
              - Drive sober or make a plan for a designated driver.
• MDTA Police Officers will continue regular patrols and targeted high visibility enforcement. To report dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911.