Montgomery County is putting the brakes on drunk driving this holiday season with the Police Alcohol Holiday Task Force in full swing. The task force, focused on rooting out alcohol-related offenses, reported a haul of 37 DUI arrests during their operations on December 4, 5, 6, and 7. These arrests are the direct result of the task force's dedicated efforts, and additional DUI arrests were not counted by the everyday patrol officers who also worked during these days.

With the holiday cheer often marred by the spike in alcohol consumption, the task force's vigilance serves as a sobering reminder of the risks on the road. According to the Montgomery County Department of Police press release, this enforcement period saw scores of officers redirecting their full time and attention to DUI detection, a practice they will continue throughout the season. And when they say full-time, they mean it, ensuring no tipple-related transgression goes unnoticed.

However, the task force's statistics only tell part of the story. Not included in the 37 DUI arrests are those apprehended by the "additional arrests made by patrol officers in the performance of their duties." as per the Montgomery County Department of Police. This distinction underscores that the overall impact of holiday enforcement is greater, a number that swells beyond what is represented by the task force's diligence alone. Alongside scheduled checkpoints, the dedicated officers employed roving patrols to catch those attempting to bob and weave through the legal net after indulging in yuletide spirits.

While the task force's work can seem like a damper to the holiday festivities, it is critical in the fight for safer streets. Tragedies tied to drunk driving take an immense toll on families and communities, a toll that the task force seeks to reduce. Citizens are urged to find alternative modes of transportation after celebrations, like utilizing rideshare services, having a designated driver, or simply choosing non-alcoholic holiday cheer. The message from law enforcement is clear, If you drink and decide to drive, you are not only risking your own life but the lives of others who share the road.