Edgewater, Parole Rush-Hour Crackdown Pulls Over 45 Drivers

EDGEWATER, MD — Authorities say 45 vehicles were pulled over by police during Tuesday's morning rush hour during a crackdown for texting while drivers, speeding and commercial vehicle violations. The targeted patrols ran in the Edgewater and Parole areas; similar enforcement efforts have been done around the county throughout the year

Using marked and unmarked cars, Anne Arundel County Police officers issued 33 citations, 36 warnings and six equipment repair orders for offenses ranging from talking/texting on a cell phone to unsafe lane change and speeding. Also, three traffic arrests were made for driving on a suspended or revoked license, police said in a news release.

Officers also stopped 25 types of commercial vehicles and conducted North American Standard truck inspections with certified truck inspectors. As a result, 16 violations were found resulting in five commercial vehicles placed out of service.

The crackdowns are held during morning rush hours when bad driving behavior is most common and also the most dangerous, police said. More such actions will be done throughout the county focused on aggressive/distracted driving and commercial vehicle violations, especially during the holidays when traffic levels increase. The next crackdown is scheduled for Dec. 15.

The number of distracted and aggressive driving cases linked to crashes has increased in Anne Arundel County, the department said in a news release, and these enforcement waves are intended to reduce those types of behaviors. 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.

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 call the police department at 911 or the non-emergency number: 410-222-8610.

Photo via Anne Arundel County Police