Police officers from Montgomery County, Rockville City and Maryland State departments were out in force Wednesday as part of a traffic safety initiative to curb vehicle crashes and resulting injuries and fatalities.
So far this year, 14 pedestrians have died as a result of a vehicle collision.
Police are patrolling up and down Rockville Pike from the District of Columbia, through Montgomery County and up to Frederick County, beginning at 6 a.m. and extending through the evening.
The goal is to have a “high visibility” so that drivers and pedestrians will stay safe, explained Montgomery County Police Assistant Chief Dave McBain during a short news conference Wednesday morning.
McBain said the five primary violations police are addressing are aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, driving while impaired and education surrounding seat belt and pedestrian safety.
Police are patrolling Route 355 crosswalks at Gunners Branch Road in Germantown, Chase Avenue in Bethesda and Dodge Street and Viers Mill Road in Rockville to both enforce safety rules and educate pedestrians.
In the past two weeks, the police Holiday Task Force that focuses on driving under the influence incidents made 22 arrests. During the same two-week period in 2023, 31 arrests were made.
“We’ve more than doubled our arrests this year,” McBain said, adding that these arrests are in addition to the regular police traffic patrols.
“We know, based on our data, the state roads – in particular Rockville Pike and Veirs Mill – are the epicenter of some of the most dangerous intersections in the city,” said Rockville City Councilmember Marissa Valeri.
County Councilmember Sidney Katz, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, said the county’s goal is to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities by 2030 through road engineering, education and enforcement.
McBain urged everyone to be alert and obey traffic laws, adding, “Let’s have a holiday we can celebrate.”
Remember, traffic safety is about more than just the rules; it's about protecting each other.
Together, we can create a community where everyone arrives home safe and sound.https://t.co/SVi1QCP0Xd#MCPNews #MCPD
— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) December 3, 2024
