Where To Find Extra Police Patrols On MD Roads Thanksgiving 2019

PIKESVILLE, MD — When you travel state roads over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, be aware of your driving skills: Maryland State Police will be out in force on highways. Several counties have special enforcement methods planned, including Harford, where there will be a sobriety checkpoint, and in western counties truckers and impaired drivers will be targeted.

Starting Wednesday, Nov. 27, troopers from each of the 23 Maryland State Police barracks will work extra shifts to watch out for signs of impaired driving, aggressive driving, distracted driving and speeding, which are all common causes of fatal crashes during the busy holiday travel season, according to a statement from the agency.

Extra troopers will be out on the road through Dec. 1 not only to enforce the law, but a "variety of initiatives will be employed to keep traffic moving safely, to respond quickly to highway incidents, and to take appropriate enforcement action when violations occur, to keep travelers safe on Maryland roads," a statement from the agency said.

Bel Air Barrack troopers will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on Nov. 27. DUI saturation patrols will also occur during the week in high crash/DUI areas.

Someone arrested for impaired driving can expect to spend around $10,000 for legal fees, fines, lost wages, and other costs.

Troopers in western Maryland will focus efforts on I-70, as well as I-68, with an eye on commercial vehicles and impaired drivers. All troopers statewide will be visible on highways such as I-95, I-695, and I-495, reminding travelers to obey speed laws and use caution.

The JFK Memorial Highway Barrack has already started Operation F.E.A.S.T. (Focused Enforcement Action by State Troopers), where efforts are centered on reducing crashes, and crime, along with stopping impaired drivers.

Over the 2018 Thanksgiving weekend, Maryland troopers stopped 7,338 vehicles, issued 4,537 citations to drivers, and arrested 130 people for driving under the influence.

Drivers can check travel conditions and delays before getting on the road at roads.maryland.gov or chart.state.md.us. Traffic conditions are also available at md511.org, or by dialing 511 on your cell phone.