HoCo Police Plan Sobriety Checkpoint This Weekend

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The Howard County Police Department is reminding drinkers to designate a sober driver, as officials are planning a weekend sobriety checkpoint.

The checkpoint will take place at an undisclosed location, according to police. It will be clearly marked with lights, signage and uniformed officers.

Howard County police arrested 994 people for driving under the influence in 2014, officials said.

• Six Charged with DUI in Labor Day Checkpoint in Savage
• Five Arrested at Sobriety Checkpoint in North Laurel

The sobriety checkpoint is one of several alcohol and drug-related enforcement initiatives the department conducts throughout the year. This one is funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office to prevent impaired driving in conjunction with Maryland State Police and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Alcohol was a factor in 27 percent of fatal crashes in Howard County last year, according to the police department.

Police recommend the following measures to stay safe on the roads:

• Drive sober
• Obey the speed limit
• Wear a seatbelt
• Eliminate distractions
• Call 911 if you see impaired driver