Maryland State Police Crack Down On Distracted Drivers In April

PIKESVILLE, MD — Troopers across Maryland will increase their distracted driving enforcement patrols in April — and using a cell phone while driving is a common reason drivers are ticketed.

This is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and Maryland State Police are reminding drivers just how dangerous it can be on the road if you are not paying attention to your surroundings.

According to the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office, more than 24,000 people are injured and 200 others die each year on Maryland roads as a result of distracted driving. Distracted driving contributes to 48 percent of all crashes in the state.

In the first three months of 2023, Maryland State Police troopers have issued a total of 4,352 citations and warnings for distracted driving violations. Last year, troopers issued 21,757 citations and warnings for distracted driving violations, of which, 4,199 were drivers who were caught using their handheld phone while their vehicle was moving.

Troopers across Maryland are increasing their distracted driving enforcement patrols and awareness efforts this month. Troopers will be working with allied law enforcement agencies to stop drivers who are driving distracted. Seat belt enforcement will be also be a priority.

Any time drivers take their eyes off the road to use a phone, eat, put on makeup or change the radio station, they are driving blind, the MVA said.

Looking down at a phone to read a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 mph, that is equivalent to driving the length of three football fields without looking.

Maryland law prohibits the use of a handheld cellphone and texting while driving.

First-time offenders caught using a cellphone while driving face a maximum fine of $83, second-time offenders a maximum fine of $140, and third-time offenders a maximum fine of $160.

Writing, sending or reading a text or electronic message while driving can result in a $70 fine and one point on their driving record. If the use of a device contributes to a crash, serious injury or death, these penalties increase.

MDOT MVA and AAA Mid-Atlantic have some tips to help drivers focus:

• Pull away from travel lanes and park in a safe location if you need to send a text message; never stop on the side of the highway.
• Designate a passenger to respond to any messages while you are behind the wheel.
• When you come upon a stopped or parked vehicle displaying warning signals, move over if it is safe to do so or slow down when passing.
• Do not use your phone to scroll or engage in social media while driving.
• If you need to eat or drink while on a trip, pull over in a safe area and eat before getting back on the road.
• If you're tempted to use your phone while driving, place the phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat.
• Ask friends or family members not to use their phones while driving.

Combatting distracted driving in the state is a pillar to Maryland’s Toward Zero campaign. For more information, visit https://zerodeathsmd.gov/.