MDTA Police Conduct High Visibility Enforcement across Maryland
Coordinated Effort with Partner Agencies Reminds Motorists to Buckle Up, Drive Safely
BALTIMORE, MD (July 1, 2021) – In response to concerns about unsafe driving behaviors and the rising number of traffic deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police enhanced its traffic safety enforcement and awareness efforts across Maryland on Wednesday. Officers from all MDTA Police detachments – MDTA toll bridges, tunnels and highways; BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport; and the Port of Baltimore – participated in the initiative, which stretched across eight counties and Baltimore City.
“Across Maryland, we continue to mourn the senseless deaths of loved ones caused by impaired drivers, distracted drivers and excessive speeds,” said MDTA Police Chief Colonel Kevin M. Anderson. “Each of these deaths is preventable, and MDTA Police Officers will continue to focus our traffic safety efforts on these dangerous choices.”
MDTA Police Officers conducted 582 traffic stops during the initiative. Officers arrested two drivers on charges related to suspected drug distribution and three persons wanted on open warrants. During one arrest, a Pennsylvania man was taken into custody after officers discovered he was driving a stolen vehicle and that he was wanted by police in Pennsylvania on burglary charges.
MDTA Police patrol officers were supported by specialized units such as the agency’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Unit, Criminal Investigations Unit, Homeland Enforcement and Traffic (HEAT) Team and Motors Unit. The MDTA Police also partnered with the Maryland State Police, Anne Arundel County Police and Montgomery County Police during the initiative.
The MDTA Police encourages all motorists to “Be the driver who saves lives” and work together as partners to help make Maryland’s roadways safe for all users. Please remember to:
- Obey posted speed limits.
- Buckle up. Every seat. Every time. Day and night.
- MOVE OVER for emergency vehicles, tow trucks and service vehicles.
- Avoid distractions and devote your full attention to the road.
- Watch for motorcycles, bikes and pedestrians.
- Drive sober or make a plan for a designated driver.
MDTA Police Officers will continue regular patrols and targeted high visibility enforcement. To report dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911.
The Maryland Transportation Authority Police, a nationally accredited force, is the seventh-largest law enforcement agency in the State with more than 600 sworn and civilian law enforcement professionals. MDTA Police Officers provide law enforcement services at the MDTA’s highways, bridges and tunnels, at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and at the Port of Baltimore.