Sobriety Checkpoint In Howard County Set For Thanksgiving Weekend

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Police in Howard County will be conducting a DUI checkpoint this holiday weekend. The location of the checkpoint was not disclosed, but it will marked with signage and uniformed officers.

More than 700 drivers have been arrested for driving under the influence in Howard County, police reported as of Nov. 20.

Specialized DUI patrols are conducted throughout the year, including the holiday season, and will continue in 2019 in Howard County.

So far this year, police said that 21 percent of fatal collisions in Howard County have involved impaired driving.

When Howard County conducts checkpoints, the initiatives are funded partly by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office in partnership with Maryland State Police and with support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Drivers should be sober, obey the speed limit, wear their seat belts and not be distracted.

The Howard County Police Department advised its officers will be out in force through the holiday season looking for impaired drivers, speeding, those not wearing their seat belts, child safety seat violations, distracted drivers and other traffic violations.

Anyone who sees an impaired driver is asked to call 911.

Being arrested for driving while impaired can lead to jail time, classes, license suspension and expenses exceeding $10,000, police said.

Drinkers are encouraged designate a sober driver or get the Safer Ride app, which is sponsored by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and pulls up taxi services in the area.

Here are some taxi companies that serve Columbia and Howard County:

• Columbia Cab: 410-740-9092
• Columbia Taxi Service: 443-668-6666
• Lyft
• Uber
• Yes Taxi Cab: 410-500-665

SEE ALSO: Extra Police Deployed On Maryland Roads For Thanksgiving 2018

Image via Shutterstock.