Troopers Target St. Patrick's Day Drunk Drivers

PIKESVILLE, MD — State troopers will spread out across Maryland this week looking for drunk drivers who overindulge at St. Patrick's Day parties.

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel William M. Pallozzi has ordered each of the 23 barracks to conduct saturation patrols focused on impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers.

“Luck should have no part in determining your St. Patrick’s Day travel plans,” Pallozzi said. “If alcohol is part of your celebration, then driving should not be. We will accept no excuses.”

A year ago, troopers arrested 158 drunk drivers during the week of St. Patrick's Day.

Through Friday night, troopers will patrol in areas known to have a higher number of DUI crashes or arrests, and take part in sobriety checkpoints. Dozens of additional troopers will bolster the regular patrol duties. The State Police Impaired Driving Effort, or SPIDRE Team, a full-time DUI enforcement squad, will be busy throughout the period.

If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day gathering:

• Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast by pacing yourself – eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Never let a friend out of your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
• Always buckle up – it’s your best protection against other impaired drivers.

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day gathering:

• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
• Be sure all of your guests designate their drivers in advance, or arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
• Serve lots of food and be sure to include plenty of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

»Illustration via Maryland State Patrol