Police Target MD Drunk Drivers Around Memorial Day

Annapolis MD

28 May, 2021

11:32 AM

Description

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Hundreds of thousands of Marylanders will take to the roads this Memorial Day, and officers are ready. The Maryland State Police said it will up its enforcement against drunk, distracted and dangerous driving. Troopers from all 23 barracks will take to the roads Friday. Officers will work overtime shifts throughout the holiday weekend, which often involves alcohol. State police mentioned that they have arrested about 2,700 impaired drivers this year. That's 700 more than at this time last year, but the onset of the coronavirus pandemic likely affected 2020's total. Impaired driving accidents kill around 160 people annually in Maryland, a press release explained. Thousands more are injured in these crashes, the write-up continued. The Maryland State Police Aviation Command and its flight paramedics will be on hand to serve anybody who needs trauma care this weekend. "We will have extra state troopers patrolling Maryland highways from the mountains to the beaches this holiday weekend and at peak times throughout the summer," stated Maryland State Police Lt. Colonel Roland Butler, chief of the Field Operations Bureau. "Our troopers will also be assisting disabled motorists and working hard to manage and clear traffic incidents as quickly as possible to keep traffic flowing." AAA estimated that 806,000 Marylanders will go on vacation this Memorial Day weekend. That's 63 percent more than last year. Of those travelers, nearly 747,000 will drive this holiday weekend. "The Maryland State Police and our other state law enforcement agencies are ready for this weekend," Butler added, noting that drunk driving enforcement will remain strict all season. "We want everyone traveling in Maryland to have a safe summer." 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 Drivers can monitor traffic conditions by calling 511 or visiting roads.maryland.gov, chart.state.md.us and md511.org. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. Download our mobile application from the App Store or Google Play. RELATED: Bowie Veteran Honored With Donation From Ford, NFL Hall Of FameBay Bridge: Best Times To Cross On Memorial Day Weekend 2021Memorial Day Flags Honor Bowie Vets, Leaders, Pandemic VictimsEverything You Need For An Amazing Memorial Day Weekend 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.