Sightseeing At Jarretsville Sunflower Field Posing Serious Safety Risk, Police Say

Jarretsville, Md. (WJZ)-- Hundreds of people have been flocking to Harford County to see the sunflower field lining Jarretsville Pike, but police say it's a serious safety risk.

Police say drivers are filling businesses' lots and ignoring 'no stopping' signs along the road just to see the sunflowers.

People are even crossing the street sometimes bringing 50 mile per hour traffic to a standstill.

Officers are worried that a child might get hit.

"Any number from 1 to 200 vehicles at a time were seen up and down the roadway," said Lt. Tim Mullin, with the Maryland State Police.

"I live, not in the area, but in Harford county, and everyone's talking about this place. So I was like, this is where we should go," a visitor said.

Even Baltimore Ravens' Quarterback Joe Flacco has visited to admire the gorgeous sunflower field.

State Police say they will have more officers on hand this weekend to move traffic along.

"It's terribly unfortunate, becazsue it is a pretty impressive sight--a field of sunflowers--but my concern is the risk is not worth the reward," said Mullin.

Police would rather not issue tickets for visitors stopping to take photos, but they say it's possible.

This is the last weekend the flowers are expected to be in bloom.

The farm tells WJZ they'll be picking another location for the sunflowers next year, and possibly making it a charity event.