As authorities consider criminal charges in the Accokeek drag racing accident that killed eight bystanders this month, Prince George’s County and state police today are weighing ways to curb the rise in illegal street racing in Southern Maryland.

Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson, along with county and state police officials, is expected to both defend current policies and announce new initiatives to address the road-racing contests that have long been a tradition on downstate country roads. During the Monday press conference police also are expected to give an update on the Feb. 13 case.