Local, Maryland State Police Target Drunk Drivers

Annapolis Police are warning drivers to plan a safe way to get home if your holiday plans include drinking.

On the department’s Facebook page police said, “Make a plan for getting home safely before heading to your holiday party. If you see a suspected drunk driver, report it to the police by calling 410-268-4141 or 9-1-1.”

The Maryland State Police is also warning drivers they can expect enforcement of speed, seatbelt laws and drunk driving laws this holiday.

The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort and troopers statewide will be out in force focusing efforts on impaired, distracted, and aggressive drivers. This effort this year is dedicated to a Montgomery County Police officer, Noah Leotta, who was hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver.

“There is no excuse for impaired driving, so we will accept no excuse,” Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel William M. Pallozzi said. “State troopers and law enforcement officers throughout Maryland are focused on identifying and arresting impaired drivers, whose numbers always increase during the holiday season. We are dedicating our efforts this year to the memory of Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta, who was struck less than three weeks ago by an alleged impaired driver and died at the age of 24.”

Impaired drivers can face jail time, lose their driver’s licenses, incur higher insurance rates, and dozens of other expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car towing repairs, to lost wags due to time off from work. Even worse, a drunk driver can claim someone’s life, or even their own.

Follow these tips to keep Maryland roads safe:

• Have a plan before you drink any alcoholic beverages. One drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk.
• Designate a driver.
• Be attentive while traveling this holiday.
• Ensure everyone is secured by a seatbelt.
• Call 911 to report drunk drivers.