Fewer fatalities so far this year on Beltway

Police say having more officers on the road is reducing speed, saving lives Traffic fatalities are down by 73 percent on the Maryland side of the Capital Beltway this year, and Maryland State Police are taking the credit, saying stepped-up enforcement is saving lives.

Only three people have died so far this year on the Maryland portion of Interstate 495, whereas 11 lives were lost during the same period last year, state police spokeswoman Elena Russo said.