PIKESVILLE, Md. (July 21, 2011)—Maryland State Police are on high alert to provide immediate assistance to stranded motorists in disabled vehicles during the extreme weather conditions predicted for Maryland.
With weather advisories, heat waves, and weather forecasters calling for humid temperatures upwards of 100 degrees, during the next two days, state troopers have been directed to provide assistance, as quickly as possible, to any motorist whose vehicle may become disabled during the predicted heat wave. Police also advise motorists to be prepared for the excessive heat warnings.
“For the next two days especially, troopers will be looking out for stranded motorists whose vehicles become disabled while traveling during this relentless heat wave,” Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan said. “Our troopers are ready to address disabled vehicles and motorists in distress and will be working in coordination with State Highway Administration courtesy patrols, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and other related agencies.”
Troopers urge motorists to take extra precautions for their safety and to avoid potential vehicle breakdowns. When driving in extreme heat, fluids are crucial to avoid dehydration. Motorists are urged to prepare for their daily travels by bringing along plenty of water.
Other tips include having a working cell phone, in their possession, to call for assistance. Never leave your child or pet in the car, unattended, even for a few minutes, in the heat. Motorists are reminded to keep up with their vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedules and to make sure the reservoirs of automatic transmission, brake, power steering and windshield wiper fluids are filled to their proper levels.
Avoid long hours traveling in your vehicle to your vacation destination by being aware of traffic flow. Drivers can take advantage of the live traffic cameras made available by the State Highway Administration. Those traffic cameras are positioned at strategic locations throughout Maryland and can give drivers important information about their route of travel before leaving. The cameras and other real-time traffic information can be found by visiting www.marylandroads.com and clicking on “commuter and travel” and then clicking on “live traffic.”
Source: MSP HQ