Local News

Police Presence On Roadways Heavy Over Weekend

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― The great getaway is over. It ended with thousands returning home from their holiday weekend away.

Even with gas prices surging upward, many still decided to make the trip.

Kelly McPherson reports state police did their part this 4th of July weekend to ensure travelers remained safe on the roads.

It was a busy weekend for state police and all law enforcement to keep the roads clear and safe.

State troopers were surprised at the high number of tickets issued to drivers.

For the first time in 10 years, AAA predicted a slight drop for travelers over the holiday. Gas prices are taking the blame.

"If I ain't going nowhere down the street, then I'm not going at all. I'm going somewhere basically just to see fireworks," said Charles Thompson of Severn.

AAA says summer road trips are shorter this year and less frequent. It's the first time travel predictions have been down for both Memorial Day and 4th of July weekends.

There was no drop in officers on the road. Maryland State Troopers beefed up traffic and DUI patrols.

Police say 114 people were arrested in Maryland for drunk driving, much higher than a normal weekend.

"I know for instance, the other day we had a uh, I think they brought in like seven DUI arrests just to this barrack alone within a matter of about an hour-and-a-half, which is actually a pretty high rate," said Trooper Stavros Garoutsos.
 
Patrols are still on the roads as the weekend winds down.

Officials say 4,700 tickets were issued in Maryland over the holiday weekend. About 3,000 warnings were issued.

BWI Airport officials say no major delays were reported, except for travelers coming from the south.

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