As Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, Maryland State Police are getting ready for turkey day travel.
Starting next Thursday, troopers from each of the 33 Maryland State Police barracks will be focusing their enforcement efforts on impaired driving, aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving and other violations that often contribute to highway tragedies, especially during holiday seasons.
Here is a list of what you can expect to see on the roads next week, according to Maryland State Police:
- Troopers from the JFK Highway Barrack patrol I-95 from north of Baltimore to the Delaware line. They will focus on keeping the interstate traffic moving expeditiously and minimizing delays caused by crashes and traffic violations. Troopers will also be working high visibility patrols at the Maryland House and Chesapeake House rest areas to deter crime and assist travelers moving through the state.
Troopers from the Golden Ring, Westminster, Bel Air and Waterloo Barracks will all be conducting DUI saturation patrols in their counties. Increased patrols will occur from Thanksgiving through Sunday.
The Frederick, Hagerstown, Cumberland, and McHenry barracks are deploying extra troopers along I-70 and I-68, with the largest number of troopers working during the peak travel times. Like troopers working other interstates, they will focus on keeping traffic moving and assisting motorists who need help.
Troopers on the Eastern Shore will be directing their heaviest enforcement to Rt. 50 and Rt. 13. Impaired driving and speed enforcement will be the priorities there.
Troopers from the Rockville, Forestville and College Park Barracks will have increased patrols on I-495, I-95 and I-270. Troopers are being warned to be extra vigilant, due to more than one dozen troopers being struck so far this year alone.
In addition to increased patrols, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division will be launching their 'Night Owl' operation. This means you might see more troopers in highly visible locations during non-peak hours.
Troopers are urging travelers not to drive distracted and to make traffic safety their first priority whenever they are behind the wheel.
