WASHINGTON — Maryland State Police are stepping up traffic enforcement on U.S. Route 301 in Prince George’s County in an attempt to reduce injuries and fatalities from crashes on the highway.

State troopers made 1,722 traffic stops during the first quarter of 2018 compared to 543 in the first quarter of 2017, according to a news release from Maryland State Police.

Police have also issued 830 citations, 649 warnings and arrested 15 impaired drivers during the first three months of 2018 compared 398 citations, 223 warnings and 19 arrests of impaired drivers during the same time frame last year.

As of May 1, there had been seven fatalities on U.S. 301 in Prince George’s County, three involving pedestrians.

State police attributed these fatalities to speeding drivers and careless pedestrians.

Police will be continuing their focus on traffic enforcement along the highway in the coming weeks. Drivers should obey the speed limit and be aware of other traffic control devices.

Police said pedestrians should also be careful before walking along or crossing the road, especially at night.