Holiday Sobriety Checkpoints, DUI Patrols Begin

Police have begun their holiday season crackdown on drunk drivers, which will include sobriety checkpoints and checks to ensure businesses don’t sell alcohol to underage buyers.

The Montgomery County Police Alcohol Holiday Task Force began its work Nov. 19 and will continue through Jan. 10. Areas of focus include:

· Enforcement of traffic laws in areas known for a high number of alcohol-related accidents with the goal of getting drunk or drug-impaired drivers off the road.

· Compliance checks of businesses that hold alcohol licenses by using underage volunteers to attempt to purchase alcohol at establishments (ensuring that shopkeepers are careful not to sell alcohol to minors).

· Surveillance by officers in plain clothes of local businesses that sell alcohol (ensuring that shopkeepers are not selling alcohol to minors and also ensuring that minors are not using false identification or using other means to buy alcohol).

· Responding to calls for underage drinking parties. All attendees are screened for alcohol usage, and those who are under age 21 are issued citations. Every person is then ensured a safe ride home. Any parent or other adult who hosts can also be cited.

· Sobriety checkpoints: The location of the checkpoints is based on accident and traffic data focusing on areas drivers are most at risk for encountering impaired drivers.

The task force includes officers from the Gaithersburg City Police Department, the Maryland National Capital Park Police Department, Maryland State Police, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Takoma Park Police Department.

Police say residents can help curb alcohol-related crime and collisions this holiday season:

If you plan to celebrate with alcohol this holiday season, include a sober driver in your plans:

· If you will be drinking, 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, phone a sober friend or family member, use public transportation or call SoberRide at 1-800-200-TAXI (The free program is offered nightly from Dec. 12 to Jan. 1.

If you see 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 such as its make, model, color.

If you have information on businesses that are selling alcohol to minors:

· If it is under way, call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

· If you believe it is an ongoing issue, call Crime Solvers toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or leave a Crime Solvers tip here. You can remain anonymous. The tip will be forwarded to the Alcohol Initiatives Section.

If you have information on an underage drinking party:

· If it is under way, call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

· If you know of an upcoming party, call the Alcohol Initiatives Section at 240-773-6610. You can leave a message and remain anonymous. You can also call Crime Solvers toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).