Extra MD Patrols Target Impaired Drivers Starting Christmas Eve

Annapolis MD

07 December, 2020

10:56 PM

Description

ANNAPOLIS, MD — State police warned residents to be on the lookout for drunk drivers this holiday season. Celebrations often involve alcohol, so troopers encourage Marylanders to find a safe ride home and be careful on the road. Police will search for impaired, aggressive and distracted driving. These offenses, plus speeding, often contribute to fatal accidents, especially during the holidays. Between 2014 and 2018, the state averaged an annual total of: 145 deaths in impaired-driving crashes159 deaths in distracted-driving collisions32 deaths in aggressive-driving wrecks Each year, these habits also caused an estimated: 2,124 injuries from impaired drivers17,908 injuries from distracted operators1,550 injuries from aggressive motorists The Maryland State Police will ramp up enforcement between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. A grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation will help the agency beef up overtime staffing around the holidays. "Troopers are urging motorists to avoid impaired driving and plan for a designated driver or a sober ride home," state police said in a press release. "Help us keep Maryland highways safe throughout this holiday season." Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Annapolis newsletters and real-time email alerts. RELATED: Bars Followed Coronavirus Rules; Drivers Were Impaired: Police 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.