During the first few months of 2018, Maryland State Police (MSP) increased their presence along the Prince George’s County portion of U.S. Route 301. They hoped that by tripling of their presence along that stretch of the highway, they would see a reduction in the number of collisions resulting in either injuries or deaths in the area.
A press release issued by MSP on May 9 shows that during the first three months of 2018, some 1,722 traffic stops occurred. Only 543 happened in 2017 during the same time frame.
Of those stopped in 2018, 15 motorists were arrested for driving while impaired (DWI). Four less motorists were arrested for DWI this year versus last.
At least 830 motorists received citations this year versus 398 last year. Another 649 received warnings in 2018 compared to 223 in 2017.
Data compiled by the MSP up until May 1 of this year shows that so far, at least eight individuals have lost their lives along the portion of U.S. 301 that runs through Prince George’s County. At least three of those decedents were pedestrians.
MSP blames both careless pedestrians and speeding motorists for these deaths. It’s unclear if any of the fatal crashes were caused by the impaired drivers that were arrested for DWI.
A spokesperson for the MSP has said that its officers intend to continue having an increased presence in the area for the foreseeable future.
If you happen to have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) or DWI during this time frame, then a Clinton, Maryland, attorney can advise you of your rights in your case.
Source: WTOP, “Police triple traffic stops on US 301 in Prince George’s Co.,” Patrick Roth, May 09, 2018
