Extra MSP Troopers On PG County Highways For Thanksgiving

Maryland State Police will be putting extra troopers on patrol statewide, including in Prince George's County, during the Thanksgiving holiday travel week.

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 27, troopers from all barracks will be looking for signs of impaired driving, aggressive driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other violations that are a common cause in highway fatalities.

"Several barracks will utilize impaired driving grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office to put additional troopers on the roads," a statement from MSP reads. "These troopers will be saturating areas known to have a higher frequency of impaired driving arrests or crashes."

I-95 and I-495 will get particular attention because of their high volume of traffic.

"A variety of initiatives will be employed to keep traffic moving safely, to respond quickly to highway incidents, and to take appropriate enforcement action when violations occur, to keep travelers safe on Maryland roads," the statement adds.

AAA predicts that 55 million people will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving, a 2.9 percent increase over last year.

Gas prices may play a part in the high volume of traffic.

"Gas prices have been fluctuating as of late, but are currently cheaper than the national average at this time last year, giving Americans a little extra money to spend on travel and motivating millions to take road trips," AAA states. "For the majority of Americans, AAA expects gas prices to be fairly similar to last year’s Thanksgiving holiday, which averaged $2.57."

But strong economy is likely the main cause for the increase in travel this year.

“Millions of thankful Americans are starting the holiday season off right with a Thanksgiving getaway,” said Paula Twidale, vice president, AAA Travel, in the statement. “Strong economic fundamentals are motivating Americans to venture out this holiday in near-record numbers. Consumer spending remains strong, thanks to increasing wages, disposable income and household wealth, and travel remains one of their top priorities for the holiday season.”