From Maryland State Police:
Impaired driving remains a major public safety threat that claims thousands of innocent lives on our roadways every year. Risking your life, and the lives of others, by driving under the influence can result in tragedy for you and your loved ones.
Harford County Law Enforcement has mobilized for National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month! Members of the Harford County Traffic Task Force (consisting of deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, officers from the Aberdeen, Havre De Grace, and Bel Air police departments and troopers from the Maryland State Police) will be more vigilant than ever this holiday season. The Harford County Traffic Task Force was formed in April 2011 in response to citizen complaints and an increase in crashes. The Task Force provides cohesive, “high-visibility” traffic enforcement on Harford County roadways to reduce motor vehicle crashes and distracted or aggressive driving behavior. The partnership has resulted in cost-effective resource sharing and has significantly increased high-visibility enforcement efforts in identified problematic areas.
Maryland State Police initiatives during December will be supplemented by four additional operations conducted by the Harford County Traffic Task Force. Enforcement will be concentrated in “high-crash” areas and other locations which are deemed in need of attention by our law enforcement partners. December enforcement efforts will be concentrated in the following “high-crash” areas:
– Route 24 between I-95 and Bel Air
– Route 22 between Aberdeen and Bel Air
– Route 1 between Fallston and Hickory
– Route 40 between Joppa Farm Road and Edgewood Road
– Tollgate Road in Bel Air
– Box Hill South Parkway in Abingdon
Our goal for 2011 has been to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes when compared to 2010. By reducing motor vehicle crashes, we hope to reduce crashes that result in fatalities and serious injuries. Thus far in 2011, there have been 2,464 crashes on state and US Routes in Harford County. There were 2,490 crashes on those roads during the same time frame of 2010. Additionally, there have been 22 fatal motor vehicle crashes on Harford County roadways which is unchanged from last year. As you can see, we are close to surpassing the number of crashes and fatal crashes handled last year. Harford County is currently ranked fifth throughout the State for the number of fatal motor vehicle crashes for 2011.
Below are a few other distressing 2011 Harford County fatal crash statistics for consideration this holiday season.
At-fault operator 19 to 30 years old = 9
Alcohol Contributed = 6
Narcotics Contributed = 2
Medical Condition Contributed = 3
Motorcycle Fatalities = 7 (3 had contributory causes)
Despite our successes, law enforcement professionals seek your help in furthering our cause. You can help us by not driving drunk or drugged, not following too closely, not speeding, not driving aggressively and not texting or talking on cell phones while driving. And always wear your seatbelt.
Before you drive, please think about safe driving habits and remaining attentive. This brief safety reminder could save you from a costly citation. More importantly it could save your life, the life of your precious cargo, or the life of a fellow motorist.
Happy Holidays from the Maryland State Police, Bel Air Barrack.
I’m sure those numbers will rise with the stupidly designed FUBAR interchange at 24/924/95. Have been almost hit twice merging onto 24 while speeders are flying down the hill trying to get onto 95S. Now trying to avoid at all costs.
Came through that 24/924 bridge and ramp system last night and the police had cars all over the place. I guess the county task force was out in force, I hope they were able to get some drunks off of the road. All of the bright flashing lights looked like a traveling Christmas tree.
To everyone dont drink and drive and text and drive texting and driving is just as bad as drinking and driving because your mind isnt on the road. Not paying attention to the road can result in killing a whole inocent family or someones mother father sister brother daughter or son! Just think before u pull your phone out to text or before you leave the bar to drive home .