Some Maryland Drunk Drivers Don’t Even Get a Slap on the Wrist

(Click on the above image for Chris Swonger and Rich Leotta's Maryland Reporter article)

• Alcohol-impaired drivers killed 10,265 people across the nation in 2015. Among those lost was Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta. Just 24 years old, he was killed by the exact crime he was trying to protect us from—struck by a driver under the influence during a traffic stop of a suspected impaired driver.
• Unfortunately, Noah’s Law as originally enacted contains a dangerous loophole in its ignition interlock mandate. Many first-time DUI offenders in Maryland are not sentenced to install an ignition interlock because they are granted probation before judgment (PBJ).
• Here’s the problem: a first-time arrest for DUI doesn’t mean it’s the first time someone drove drunk. Driving while impaired is often a long-established habit for these individuals. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that drivers take an average of 80 vehicle trips under the influence before receiving their first DUI arrest.

Meet Our New Police Chief - Monday June 21

(Click on the above image to submit questions in advance)

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

(Click on the image above for the source)

 

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.

Tiger Woods crash was caused by driving at an unsafe speed, sheriff’s department says

(Click on the image above for Adam Kilgore's Washington Post Report)

• Tiger Woods’s late February car crash in Southern California was caused by Woods driving at an unsafe speed and by an inability to negotiate a curve in the road, according to findings released Wednesday after a lengthy delay by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
• Woods was traveling between 84 and 87 mph in a 45-mph zone when his Genesis SUV hit the median, and the vehicle was traveling 75 mph when it skidded, hit a tree and launched airborne before settling into a ditch, department officials said.
• A data recorder in the car showed no braking during the collision and that the accelerator was pressed at 99 percent capacity, which led investigators to speculate Woods panicked and pressed the gas pedal rather than the brake pedal.

Note that the crushing of his car took a lot of the energy from the crash and the structure and safety features likely saved Tiger Wood's life.

Theft from Auto Is Our Most Preventable Crime! We Can Prevent It!

Please be sure to remove all items from inside your vehicles and LOCK them!
Do not leave your vehicle running to warm it up in the morning. Criminals are on the prowl looking to jump into vacant running vehicles.