FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 1, 2017

SPEEDING STOPS HERE

Feb. 2 Enforcement Initiative on I-95 in Harford County

MOVE OVER for Emergency Responders

BALTIMORE, MD - To help prevent crashes from speeding and aggressive driving, multiple law-enforcement agencies will participate in a joint enforcement effort along the Maryland Transportation Authority's (MDTA) John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95) tomorrow.

"Speed and aggressive driving continue to be major factors in crashes in Maryland and across the U.S.," said MDTA Executive Director Kevin C. Reigrut. "We are grateful to the State and local law-enforcement personnel who are combining their forces to help keep our roads safe for all motorists, including our police, maintenance/construction crews and Courtesy Patrols who must work along the interstates."

"Targeted enforcement and educational efforts play a key role in Maryland's efforts to reduce fatalities on our roadways," said Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrator Christine E. Nizer, Governor Larry Hogan's Highway Safety Representative. "Drivers must realize that speeding and aggressive-driving behaviors can kill them and innocent victims."

The joint effort includes the Maryland State Police, the MDTA Police, the Harford County Sheriff's Office, the Bel Air Police Department, the Havre de Grace Police Department and the Aberdeen Police Department. Officers and deputies will saturate northbound and southbound I-95 between the Harford/Baltimore County line and the MD 24 interchange to enforce the posted speed limit of 65 mph in this area and to focus on other aggressive-driving behaviors.

"The goal of Maryland State Troopers on patrol is to save lives by promoting safe driving behaviors and by preventing and investigating crashes. This is accomplished by consistent enforcement of Maryland's traffic laws," said First Sgt. Edward Luers, Assistant Commander of the Maryland State Police JFK Highway Barrack.

MOVE OVER and protect those who protect us. Maryland law requires drivers to MOVE OVER when approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck using visual signals. If a safe lane change is not possible, drivers must slow down.

On average, more than 15,000 speed-involved crashes occur on Maryland roadways each year, and speeding is a major component in aggressive-driving crashes. In addition, speed increases the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. The five-year Maryland Strategic Highway Safety Plan brings together public-sector, private-sector and non-profit partners to combat traffic crashes and resulting serious injuries and fatalities. Learn more at http://www.mva.maryland.gov/safety/mhso/state-highway-safety-plan.html.

Find the MDTA at mdta.maryland.gov and on Twitter and Facebook at /TheMDTA.