(PIKESVILLE, MD) 2013-09-05 – The Labor Day weekend efforts of the Maryland State Police, in conjunction with its public safety partners, had a positive effect on reducing crashes and keeping the public safe to enjoy the holiday.

Preliminary information indicates from August 30 through September 3, 2013, troopers made approximately 8,120 traffic stops.  They issued 5,848 citations and 4,390 warnings.  There were 874 repair orders issued for defective vehicle equipment.

In support of the nationwide campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” impaired driving patrols were conducted throughout the state.  During this holiday, 98 impaired drivers were arrested.

The traffic enforcement efforts of the Maryland State Police led to criminal violations as well.  Troopers made 96 arrests and an additional 43 wanted people were arrested on outstanding criminal warrants.

Troopers from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division worked in partnership with the Baltimore City Fire Department during the Grand Prix of Baltimore August 30 through September 1, 2013.

They assisted with the Preventive Radiation and Nuclear Detection initiative by manning each entry point at the race and monitored radiological equipment.       On August 30th, troopers conducted the Shore-wide Bulls-eye On Aggressive Traffic, or Operation SHOWBOAT  Troopers from Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore inundated the Route 50 corridor from the Chesapeake Bay to Ocean City.  During the operation, troopers issued 1,259 citations and warnings, arrested 10 impaired drivers, made five criminal arrests, and made two warrant arrests.

Also on August 30th, troopers along I-95 joined forces with Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s County Police Departments for “Operation Millipede.”  This enforcement effort placed troopers and police officers along the entire I-95/I-495 corridor from the Delaware to Virginia state lines.  During this initiative, police issued more than 1,200 citations and warnings, arrested 11 impaired drivers, and made 29 criminal arrests, and made nine warrant arrests.

Operations SHOWBOAT and Millipede successfully contributed to highway safety this weekend.  During these initiatives there were no fatal or serious

crashes.