Labor Day DUI Patrols Planned in Howard County

Throughout Labor Day weekend, the Howard County Police Department will be on the lookout for impaired and aggressive drivers, police said in a statement Friday.

Drunk drivers were involved in half of all fatalities at night during the Labor Day holiday in 2013, versus 14 percent of fatal crashes during the day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To stay on the right side of the law, officials encourage designating a sober driver before drinking alcohol.

The Howard County Police Department reports that its officers arrested 994 drivers for driving under the influence last year.

In addition to impaired drivers, police in Howard County will be watching for those driving aggressively.

To be cited for aggressive driving, state law says that drivers must be seen doing three of the following, according to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration:

• Speeding
• Failing to obey traffic control devices
• Overtaking and passing
• Following too closely
• Passing on the right
• Driving in the emergency lane
• Failing to yield the right of way