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Pikesville, MD
Two state troopers responding to emergency calls in separate parts of Maryland were struck by drunk drivers this past weekend,
highlighting the highway hazards Maryland State Police will be focusing on during increased patrols for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
Both crashes occurred within minutes of each other on Saturday night. A trooper in Charles County was responding to a personal injury
crash with his lights and siren on, when the drunk driver of a pick up truck pulled into his path at an intersection. The second crash was in Caroline
County and occurred when a trooper responding to an emergency with lights and siren on was struck by a driver who had pulled to the shoulder, but
did not wait until the trooper had passed before pulling back into his path. Both drivers were arrested for driving under the influence. Neither trooper
involved was seriously injured.
Colonel Thomas E. Hutchins, Secretary of the Department of State Police, has ordered troopers not normally assigned to patrol duties
back into uniform and onto Maryland roads. More than 100 state troopers on special assignment will supplement the regular patrol force during the
holiday period.
“Again this Thanksgiving, our goal is to prevent deaths and injuries on Maryland roads resulting from increased traffic and decreased
attention to traffic safety,” Colonel Hutchins said. “I urge everyone who will be driving to make traffic safety a priority by driving the speed limit,
ensuring everyone is buckled up, driving sober, staying alert, and by practicing patience when behind the wheel.”
Troopers will not only be strictly enforcing traffic laws, but will also be providing assistance to disabled motorists or travelers who
need other types of help. Troopers expect traffic throughout the region to increase significantly by Wednesday morning and repeat a heavy
volume throughout Sunday, at the close of the holiday.
Motorists can expect increased patrols wherever they are driving. Maryland State Police are teaming up with state police
departments throughout the country in Operation CARE, the Combined Accident Reduction Effort. Extra patrols will focus on reducing
crashes by targeting drunk drivers, strictly enforcing speed limits, and stopping aggressive drivers.
Troopers in Maryland and across the nation are reminding everyone that one of the smartest things a driver can do is make sure everyone in
their vehicle is wearing a seat belt and children are properly buckled in child safety seats. In a crash, seat belts and child safety seats remain
your best protection against death or serious injury.
Crime prevention will also be a priority for troopers on patrol throughout the upcoming holiday seasons. Troopers across Maryland
will be working in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies to increase patrols and a uniform police presence around shopping centers.
Shoppers are urged to stay alert and use good judgment when shopping. |
