Edgewater Rush-Hour Crackdown Pulls Over More Than 50 Drivers

EDGEWATER, MD — Authorities say 52 vehicles were pulled over by police during Thursday's morning rush hour during a crackdown for texting while drivers, speeding and other traffic violations. The targeted patrols ran from 7 to 10 a.m. on Solomons Island Road and West Street in Annapolis and Edgewater, according to Anne Arundel County Police.

The March 2 operation was the third such traffic enforcement in coordination with the Maryland State Police and Maryland Transportation Authority motor units.Using six police motorcycles, as well as marked and unmarked cars, officers made 52 traffic stops for offenses ranging from talking/texting on a cell phone, to negligent driving, and failing to stop for a traffic signal. Also, two commercial vehicles were inspected after being stopped for distracted driving offenses. In total, 11 citations and 43 warnings were issued.

Anne Arundel County has experienced an increase in distracted and aggressive driving related crashes and these enforcement waves are intended to reduce the instances of those types of behaviors, the county department says. 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.

More than 80 drivers were stopped on Feb. 14 during the second similar patrol performed by county police on Crain Highway (MD-3) in the Crofton/Gambrills area. And 93 vehicles were pulled over during a Feb. 22 morning rush hour patrol onRitchie Highway (MD-2) in Glen Burnie.

These patrols are in support of Chief Timothy Altomare’s goal of reducing crashes in Anne Arundel County, says the department, and more such coordinated traffic stops are planned throughout the county during 2017. 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.