450 DUI Arrests, DUI Patrols Across Maryland

PIKESVILLE, MD – In the month since Thanksgiving, Maryland state troopers have made 450 DUI arrests and the force will continue to target drunk drivers through New Year's Day, deploying in areas known to have high numbers of DUI arrests or crashes. And local alcohol task force efforts, such as one in Montgomery County, have added dozens more DUI arrests to the statewide tally.

During the past five weeks of the Montgomery County alcohol holiday task force, officers have arrested 177 people for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Two suspected drunk drivers slammed into patrol cars earlier this month in the Gaithersburg area.

Last year, Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta was killed when he was hit by a repeat drunk driver while working on the alcohol task force. As a result, state law now requires ignition interlocks to all drunken driving offenders in Maryland.

Maryland Transportation Authority Police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint Friday night, Dec. 23, at the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) toll plaza in Baltimore.

"During the holiday season, alcohol-related crashes are at their highest. If you do go out and drink, plan for a sober ride home," said MDTA Police Chief Colonel Jerry Jones.

During the checkpoint, the MDTA Police will distribute information about laws and penalties for driving while intoxicated or while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Drunk drivers will be arrested and prosecuted.

As the New Year approaches, each of the 23 Maryland State Police barracks will deploy special patrols focused on identifying and arresting impaired and aggressive drivers, the MSP said in a news release. Traffic enforcement efforts will also include speeding, distracted driving and other violations that often contribute to highway tragedies.

Troopers will work with law enforcement partners statewide during saturation patrols, areas known to have high numbers of impaired driving arrests or crashes, and troopers will help staff sobriety checkpoints.

The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort Team (SPIDRE) made 33 arrests out of the total 450 DUI arrests since Thanksgiving weekend.

Drivers are urged to check travel conditions and delays before traveling. The State Highway Administration provides up-to-date traffic and road conditions at roads.maryland.gov, or chart.state.md.us. Traffic conditions are also available at md511.org, or by dialing 511 on your cell phone.

If you plan on drinking alcohol, include a sober driver in your plans:

• If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins.

• When you know you’ll be drinking, leave your keys at home or give them to someone else.

• If you have been drinking, do not drive—even a short distance. Call a taxi, Uber, phone a sober friend or family member, use public transportation. Drivers in Prince George's and Montgomery counties can call Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s SoberRide at 1-800-200-TAXI (The free program is offered nightly through January 1, 2017.

If you believe you are observing a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs:

• Call 911. If possible, and without putting yourself in danger, obtain the license plate of the vehicle, the direction of travel of the vehicle, and a description of the vehicle (make, model, color).

»Photo of Maryland State Police vehicle