Maryland State Police Add Patrols for Holiday Weekend

Maryland State Police will be out in full force patrolling Maryland roads for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Troopers throughout the state will be supplemented with more than 75 additional units working overtime “focused on keeping highways safe and traffic moving smoothly,” according to officials.

Figures released by state police show the heavy traffic calls for extra coverage. Troopers arrested 163 drunk drivers last year over the July Fourth weekend, police said in a release.

They also wrote more than 12,600 traffic citations and warnings and arrested 129 people.

Seven people were killed in traffic crashes in Maryland during the 2010 holiday, according to the release.

"Again this July Fourth weekend, our focus is on keeping our highways safe," State Police Col. Terrence Sheridan said in a release. "Obeying speed limits, not drinking and driving, and ensuring everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in seat belts or child safety seats when traveling will help to ensure your holiday is a safe and happy one."

The American Automobile Association (AAA) earlier predicted that  more than 50 miles from their homes this holiday weekend.

Still, AAA officials said they expect nearly 40 million state residents to hit the road.

On interstates and state roads, troopers will concentrate on enforcing speed limits and stopping aggressive drivers, police said in the release. Drunk driving enforcement also will be a priority.

Each of the state's 22 barracks will perform at least one "saturation patrol" during the weekend, according to the release.

A saturation patrol is a team of troopers who patrol a specific area known for a high number of DUI arrests or crashes. Those troopers are focused only on identifying and arresting impaired drivers.

To check live traffic cameras before you head out, visit www.roads.maryland.gov and click on CHART. The website also will include other traffic advisories.