With Harford Speeders Going 100 MPH, Sergeant Says: 'Slow Down'

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — At least two drivers going more than 100 mph have been stopped in recent days in Harford County, according to authorities, who are asking people to hit the brakes.

"Please slow down, Harford!" Sgt. Mike Lane of the Harford County Sheriff's Office said in his weekly "Traffic Tip Tuesday" column on the agency's Facebook page. "Most of the stops I made last week were people doing 80 mph or more, and I wasn't working on I-95!"

Lane was not the only one stopping speeders on local roads.

"A deputy stopped one vehicle for doing 120 mph, and nine vehicles were stopped for doing 30 or more over the posted speed limit last week," Lane said. "The callousness and nonchalant attitude is mind blowing."

Law enforcement officers in Harford County are not the only ones warning lead-footed drivers to slow down during the new coronavirus pandemic. Troopers have been reassigned to conduct speed enforcement following crashes and complaints attributed to aggressive driving and speeding in Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

Maryland State Police will "continue strict enforcement of all traffic laws in an effort to keep Maryland highways safe, even as we work to stop the virus spread during the state of emergency," the agency said in a late April statement.

Maryland has been under a stay-at-home order since March 30, with residents urged not to travel unless they have an essential reason like grocery shopping or essential work.

"Through personal observation and anecdotal information, troopers believe some drivers are taking advantage of lighter traffic volume to engage in aggressive driving and speeding," Maryland State Police reported, noting troopers are using radar and unmarked cars to prevent those using apps from eluding detection.

In Harford County, visibility has not been a deterrent.

"It’s not like I’m hiding behind bushes or something — I’m sitting on the side of the road, and people blow by with blatant disregard," Lane said Tuesday. "As I’m writing this, Cpl. Todd just called and advised that he had just stopped a car doing 110 mph in a 45 mph zone. The car was racing another vehicle, but he could not get both stopped. This car was being driven by a young female, and was occupied by two male passengers AND HER 3 YEAR OLD CHILD!

Speeders are subject to a $530 fine and five points, Lane advised.

"I’m dumbfounded and honestly, I just don’t know what else to say," Lane said. "Stay safe; slow down, wear your seat belt, put down the phone and drive sober. Have a good day."

See Also:

• MD Roads Become Speedways During Coronavirus Pandemic
• MD Police Target Speeding, Aggressive Driving On Capital Beltway