Crime & Safety

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

Drunk driving enforcement will increase around St. Patrick's Day, state police said. Here's what to expect on Maryland roads.

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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 County
  • Increased presence throughout Wicomico County and the lower Eastern Shore
  • High-visibility initiatives against speeding, distracted driving and seatbelt violations in Prince George's County
  • Heavy patrol in Harford County

Impaired driving killed 151 people on Maryland roads in 2019. Drunk drivers hurt more than 3,200 people that year.

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Police offered these tips to partygoers:

  • Find a designated driver
  • Don't drink if you plan to drive
  • Use public transportation, a taxi or a ride-hailing service if you drank
  • Don't let friends drive while drunk
  • Report potential drunk drivers to police
  • Wear your seatbelt
  • Don't text or use a phone while driving
  • Don't drive distracted

Troopers gave these reminders to hosts:

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  • Those who serve alcohol can be held liable if the drinker gets in a crash
  • Serve food and nonalcoholic drinks
  • Make sure guests have a safe ride home in advance
  • Have contact information for taxis on hand
  • Take 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.

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