As the new school year begins and Labor Day travel approaches, the Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland State Police are urging motorists to drive safely and responsibly. With more travelers on the road, the agencies are increasing enforcement and raising awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and other risky driving behaviors to keep Maryland’s roads safe during the busy back-to-school and holiday travel season.  The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is considered the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer . In Maryland, nearly 800 people have been killed in crashes involving impaired drivers over the past five years. Speeding, distracted driving and aggressive driving also continue to be leading contributors to serious and fatal crashes.  Ahead of and during Labor Day weekend, 27 law enforcement agencies across Maryland will conduct high-visibility enforcement efforts. Officers and troopers will increase patrols and focus on identifying impaired drivers in communities across the state with support from the Maryland Highway Safety Office.  

An Anne Arundel Circuit Court Judge blocked the Maryland State Board of Elections on Wednesday from placing a redistricting question on the ballot in November, though the Maryland Supreme Court will now have to consider the case.  The decision concerns statewide Ballot Question 3 which originated with House Bill 2100, passed by the Maryland General Assembly during a special session earlier this month.  The Judge took issue with several items including how question 3 was worded.  Thompson ruled that the State Board of Elections should be barred from including Question 3 on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, but immediately stayed that injunction pending an appeal to the Supreme Court of Maryland.