800,000+ Drivers expected on Bay Bridge for Memorial Day Weekend
MARYLAND- AAA is projecting that 861,000 Marylanders plan to get away for the Memorial Day weekend, a 2.7 percent increase over the previous year and one of the highest travel weekends nationally since 2000, falling still 5 percent short of the all-time peak in 2019.
During a press conference, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller joined Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and transit officials from Maryland and DC to highlight the efforts of police and lawmakers to enforce existing laws for traffic safety, as well as enact new legislation to stiffen penalties for drunk and distracted driving.
“New legislation will modernize antiquated restrictions and provide greater flexibility for the installation and operation of automated speed cameras in work zones throughout the state, and it will also increase fines for reckless driving, in fact, doubling the fines, Governor Moore and I want to protect all users of the transportation network,” Aruna Miller said.
Mayor Rick Meehan of Ocean City says he’s confident in those initiatives while scaling up of transit and enforcement is already happening in the resort town.
“Our seasonal police officers will be sworn in this weekend. our PSA’s, which is our our public safety aides. They’ll be on the boardwalk. You already see them up there. So we’re geared up for the summer season. Transportation, we’re now on our summer schedule, the boardwalk trains will begin to operate full-time Thursday, so we’re prepared for everybody to come to visit,” he said.
He also touted increased advertising and in-person events in neighboring metropolitan areas to promote Ocean City to a greater customer base, saying he hopes this year can see the fruits of those efforts from the town.
Despite the excitement, officials stressed that the coming summer season can be some of the most deadly months for drivers, especially those on the younger side.
This year alone over 40 percent of the nearly 600 fatal accidents on the roads of Maryland have involved drugs or alcohol.
Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller stressed that those accidents are preventable, and the choice to be impaired behind the wheel, is one that will be prosecuted.
“This Memorial Day, buckle up, obey traffic laws, avoid distractions. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when passing through work zones. Do not drive impaired. Observe. Move over laws and most importantly, arrive safely and enjoy your holiday weekend,” she said.
