In response to recent serious injury and fatal crashes within the county, the Anne Arundel County Police Traffic Safety Section, in coordination with District personnel, conducted a high intensity traffic enforcement detail on Ritchie Highway in the Arnold area during the morning hours of November 6, 2020.
Officers enforced traffic violations ranging from speed and other moving violations to vehicle equipment violations. During the morning rush hour enforcement wave, officers stopped 29 vehicles. As a result of these stops, 24 traffic citations, 25 warnings, and 4 safety equipment repair orders were issued. Additionally, three arrests were made as a result of the enforcement efforts; two for license violations and one for an outstanding arrest warrant.
Anne Arundel County Police remind motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists to follow these traffic safety tips:
Drivers:
- Stay alert; park the phone.
- Stop for pedestrians—Maryland law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections.
- Follow all traffic signals; use caution when turning at intersections.
- Stop at stop signs and for school buses.
- Obey the speed limit. Speeding only makes it more difficult to stop unexpectedly.
- Enter and exit driveways slowly looking for pedestrians behind your vehicle.
- Allow 3 feet when passing bicyclists.
- Show courtesy to other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
- Don't drive aggressively.
Pedestrians:
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks whenever possible.
- Press the pedestrian signal button and wait for the walk signal.
- Always stop at the curb and look left, right and left before crossing a street.
- Watch for cars turning in or leaving driveways.
- Wear light or bright colored clothing, especially if out walking after dusk.
- Pay attention and take off headphones while walking – no texting or playing games.
- Walk, don't run across the street.
Bicyclists:
- Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
- Ride defensively – expect the unexpected.
- Ride with traffic, never against it.
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
- Yield right of way to pedestrians.
- Pass on the left when overtaking a vehicle.
- Use marked bike lanes or paths when present.
- Use caution when crossing ramps.
- Never ride more than two abreast.
- Stay visible when riding at night and during inclement weather.
- Wear a helmet correctly.
- It is recommended that all bicyclists and bike passengers wear helmets. Maryland law requires all bicyclists under the age of 16 to wear a bicycle safety helmet when riding on public property. This includes roadways, trails and sidewalks. Please click HERE to view the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's guide for proper helmet fit.
Anne Arundel County Police Traffic Safety Officers will continue to conduct educational and enforcement efforts periodically throughout the county focused on aggressive/distracted driving and commercial vehicle enforcement. Citizens observing any vehicles operated in a careless or reckless manner are asked to contact the police department by calling 911 or the non-emergency number- 410 222-8610.