Crofton/Gambrills Rush-Hour Crackdown Issues 24 Citations For Distracted Driving

CROFTON, MD — Authorities say dozens of vehicles were pulled over by police during Friday's morning rush hour during a crackdown on distracted and aggressive driving, while ten commercial vehicles were stopped for ignoring weight restrictions on Patuxent Road. The targeted patrols used both marked and unmarked cars to spot drivers on their cell phone and other infractions, according to the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

In all, officers issued 24 citations, 34 warnings and two equipment repair orders for offenses including talking/texting on a cell phone, unsafe lane changes and speeding, while one traffic arrest was made for driving on a suspended license.

Officers also stopped 10 commercial vehicles on Patuxent Road in violation of the weight restriction and conducted North American Standard truck inspections with certified truck inspectors. As a result, 24 violations were found. Two commercial vehicles and two drivers were placed out of service for DOT violations.

This effort is a continuation of commercial vehicle weight enforcement patrols that were conducted in Odenton, Pasadena and Severna Park last month targeting overweight dump trucks operating from various construction sites throughout the county.

The department has had several rush-hour crackdowns this year to target distracted and aggressive driving cases, which police linked to increased crashes in Anne Arundel County. Drivers are reminded that any distraction can increase the chances of a crash and ask drivers to “get your head out of your apps” and concentrate on the road.

Like the Crofton Patch Facebook page below, then continue reading the story.

These patrols are in support of Chief Timothy Altomare’s goal of reducing crashes in Anne Arundel County, says the department, and more coordinated traffic stops are planned during rush hours throughout the county this year. Officers will focus on aggressive/distracted driving and commercial vehicle enforcement using other agencies, covert vehicles and police motorcycles.

Anyone who sees vehicles driven in a careless or reckless manner is asked to contact the police department by calling 911 or the non-emergency number: 410-222-8610.

Patch file photo