FREDERICK, Md. (July 30, 2021) – On June 29, 2021, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) showcased on social media an actual speed enforcement stop on Route 15 near Frederick. That single social media post reached more than 2,650,000 people, 307,000 engagements, and 2,100 comments from our followers. Many of the comments asked for us to patrol areas throughout the county where speeding is a problem.
“We read each of those comments from our followers and given that Frederick County schools are back in session in August, and the fact that we have had seven speed-related fatal collisions in the last five months, we have decided to make this month our ‘Speed Enforcement Month,” said Capt. Jeff Eyler, FCSO Patrol Operations commander. “Our deputies will focus on the areas you have asked us to patrol, along with other highly-trafficked and often sped upon roads throughout the county. Drivers should expect a heavier presence and a zero tolerance for those who do not obey the posted speeds and rules of the road.”
As a reminder, there are various penalties for speeding tickets in Maryland and they are:
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 1 to 9 mph: $80 fine and one point
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 10 to 19 mph: $90 fine and two points
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 20 to 29 mph: $160 fine and two points
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 30 to 39 mph: $290 fine and five points
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 40 mph or above: $530 fine and five points.
“This initiative has become a priority on Frederick county roads based on the increasing amount of complaints we have received in recent months involving excessive speed and aggressive driving, actually more than I have ever heard,” said FCSO Sheriff Chuck Jenkins. “With the strategy of focusing on the roads where we see the greatest problems with speed violations, this effort should have a tremendous impact on reducing speeds and increasing safety and awareness throughout the county. We are determined to convince drivers to slow down.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, speeding killed nearly 9,500 people.
For more information on the dangers of speeding, visit this NHTSA website, https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding. To report someone speeding or a known area of speeders, contact the FCSO at 301-600-1046.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency; an arm of the court, and a keeper of offenders. In this regard, it exists to serve the more than 250,000 citizens of Frederick County with respect, fairness, and compassion. FCSO is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace and order; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees; and safekeeping of prisoners. The men, women, and officers of this office nurture public trust by holding themselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics. The FCSO is located at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick, MD, 21701. Visit www.frederickcosheriff.com for more information.
