VIDEO: Organizers Explain Why Students Didn't Plunge Friday

Anne Arundel students didn't participate in the regularly scheduled Cool School plunge because of exams and then weather conditions caused Friday's festivities to be canceled.

Save the Date for 2013 Polar Bear Plunge

The 17th annual plunge where participants run into the chilly Chesapeake Bay will take place on Jan. 26, 2013, at Sandy Point State Park.

Before you know it, 2013 will be here and so will the annual Maryland State Police (MSP) Polar Bear Plunge. Each year, thousands take a quick dip in the Chesapeake Bay to raise funds for Special Olympics Maryland. The Plungefest, which is open to the public, is set for Jan. 26, 2013, at Sandy Point State Park. Frigid Friday for participating schools will take place the day before the Plungefest. To participate in the plunge, you must collect a minimum of $50 in pledges—and if you're younger than 18, you must have a parent or guardian's written consent. It's still early but more than $200,000 has already been raised for Special Olympics Maryland to date, according to the event's website that also has a running countdown until the event. …

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Driving Strongly Discouraged in Maryland

State police urge motorists to stay off the roads as much as possible.

Although Maryland State Police is not handing out citations for being on the road, they are strongly discouraging residents from driving. State police spokesperson Greg Shipley warned residents that increasing amount of standing water is a significant hazard to drivers because of the high risk for vehicles to hydroplane.  “People don’t realize that you don’t have to be going that fast on the road to hydroplane,” he said. Hydroplaning is caused by water being pushed up to the tires and creating a barrier of water, which decreases tire traction and inhibits drivers’ ability to safely steer their vehicles. Basically, Shipley added, the vehicle will be traveling on top of water. Drivers could also run into other hazards like downed trees and …

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New Car Seat Law Removes Weight Exemption for Kids

The law that takes effect in Maryland on Oct. 1 still requires kids younger than 8 to be in a safety seat, unless they are 4 feet 9 inches or taller.

UPDATED (12:40 p.m.)—A new child safety seat law will go into effect Oct. 1 to remove the weight exemption for children who are more than 65 pounds, according to a Maryland State Police press release. The state law still requires that children use car seats up until the time they turn 8 years old, unless they are 4 feet 9 inches or taller. The law is a primary enforcement law, which means drivers can be detained and cited for violating the seat belt law. The fine is $50 for each child in the vehicle that is not properly restrained. The fine also applies to children ages 8 to 16, who are still required to wear a seat belt.  "A child safety seat is a device—including a child booster seat—which the manufacturer has certified as being made in …

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New Law About Broken Traffic Lights Starts Oct. 1

Maryland drivers who fail to stop and check for pedestrians at nonfunctioning traffic signals will soon face larger fines and points on their licenses.

Maryland drivers have a new set of rules to follow when they come upon a traffic signal that's broken, according to a Maryland State Police press release. The new law, which goes into effect Oct. 1, requires a driver approaching a nonfunctioning traffic signal from any direction at an intersection to stop at a clearly marked stop line, before entering any crosswalk or before entering the intersection. After stopping, the driver must yield to any vehicle or pedestrian in the intersection and remain stopped until it is safe to enter and continue through the intersection. "Just because a traffic control signal is not functioning at an intersection does not mean drivers are relieved of their duty to exercise care and caution," according to the…

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Scooter and Moped Riders Face New Laws in October

Scooters and mopeds require state registration and insurance under new state laws.

New laws affecting riders of motor scooters will take effect Oct. 1, making significant changes to the way they ride. The new laws require all motor scooters and mopeds to be titled and insured, while all operators and passengers must wear a helmet and eye protection. On Friday, a 66-year-old man was hospitalized with critical injuries after he crashed his scooter near College Parkway in Arnold, according to The Capital. Existing laws also require all motor scooter and moped operators to possess a valid driver’s license or a moped operator’s permit, according to a release from the Maryland State Police. At least the minimum vehicle liability insurance is required, and riders must carry proof of the insurance with them whenever they are …

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Prescott Had Collector Status, Bought Firearms Legally

Maryland State Police said Neil Prescott bought 16 firearms between May of 2011 and July of 2012. He passed all background checks and was permitted to buy more than one gun per month.

Maryland State Police say Neil Prescott legally purchased 16 weapons and component parts between 2011 and 2012, and had obtained collector status that allowed him to buy more than one gun per month.  Prescott, a Crofton resident accused of threatening to shoot former employees, did not violate any laws when he bought an array of weapons, including several pistols, revolvers and receivers. Maryland State Police said Prescott passed all background checks required to purchase firearms. His collector status was also properly applied, police said. Collector status can be granted to to a person who "devotes time and attention to acquiring certain types of regulated firearms for the enhancement of the collector's personal collection," and who …

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Maryland Police Declare May ‘Move Over Month’

The law requires motorists to move over or slow down if they see emergency personnel on the side of the road.

In an effort to increase awareness and ensure the safety of emergency personnel, the Maryland State Police have declared May “Move Over Month.” The Move Over initiative is being used to remind motorists that if they see emergency personnel on the side of the road they need to switch lanes or slow down. Many drivers remain unaware of the law that went into effect in October 2010. “We thought that because of a couple incidents in the beginning of the year that injured a couple of police officers, the Move Over Law was not something that our motorists were familiar with enough,” said Elena Russo, Maryland State Police spokeswoman. “These two incidents could have been prevented if the motorist had slowed down and moved over when they saw the …

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Police Stop Attempted Jumper at Severn River Bridge

It was the second incident at the Severn River Bridge in two weeks, according to police.

  A woman threatened to jump from the Severn River Bridge Tuesday morning, but relented once police arrived, authorities said. The woman, who was not named, walked to the shoulder of the bridge and was threatening to jump at 11 a.m. Tuesday, according to a state police spokesperson. When Maryland State Police arrived, she stepped away from the edge of the bridge and was taken into custody. She was then transported to Anne Arundel Medical Center for evaluation. No charges were filed against the woman. The eastbound lane of traffic was shut down on the Severn River Bridge portion of Route 50 while the incident was resolved. The incident came less than two weeks after Steven Vonzel Anderson of Annapolis jumped off the Severn River Bridge. Two…

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Police Ramping Up Patrols, Sobriety Checks for Holiday Weekend

Troopers throughout the region will be targeting drunk drivers, aggressive drivers and speeders.

If you’re safe, abide by the law and use a healthy dose of common sense, you should have nothing to worry about driving home from grandma’s house this weekend. But unfortunately, it’s the other guy sharing the road with you that you have to worry about. Time and time again, Maryland State Police troopers are witness to the fact that some idiots still choose to drink and drive. To help keep drivers safe this holiday weekend, state troopers have already begun increased and directed patrols on Maryland highways, according to a press release. “We take seriously the important and increased responsibility law enforcement has to protect our citizens while they are traveling or shopping during the holiday season,” Maryland State Police …

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