Police Target MD Drunk Drivers Around St. Patrick's Day

Annapolis MD

16 March, 2021

12:06 PM

Description

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Police are increasing their drunk driving enforcement around St. Patrick's Day. With capacity caps lifted in many jurisdictions, officers expect more Marylanders to celebrate Wednesday's holiday. All 23 barracks of the Maryland State Police will step up their game through Saturday night. Operations will include: Drug enforcement in Cecil CountyIncreased presence throughout Wicomico County and the lower Eastern Shore High-visibility initiatives against speeding, distracted driving and seatbelt violations in Prince George's CountyHeavy patrol in Harford County Impaired driving killed 151 people on Maryland roads in 2019. Drunk drivers hurt more than 3,200 people that year. Police offered these tips to partygoers: Find a designated driverDon't drink if you plan to driveUse public transportation, a taxi or a ride-hailing service if you drankDon't let friends drive while drunkReport potential drunk drivers to policeWear your seatbeltDon't text or use a phone while drivingDon't drive distracted Troopers gave these reminders to hosts: Those who serve alcohol can be held liable if the drinker gets in a crashServe food and nonalcoholic drinksMake sure guests have a safe ride home in advanceHave contact information for taxis on handTake the keys from anybody who may drive while drunk "Maryland State Police are urging those who plan to celebrate with alcohol to be safe and smart and avoid impaired, distracted and aggressive driving," officers said in a press release. Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Annapolis newsletters and real-time email alerts. RELATED: Free Rides Offered On St. Patrick's Day To Combat Drunk Driving Have a story idea? Please contact me at [email protected] with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.