With St. Patrick's Day coming up, the Maryland State Police are ramping up patrols to discourage dangerous driving behavior throughout the holiday weekend. Troopers from all 23 barracks across the state are being mobilized, focusing on preventing aggressive, distracted, and impaired driving. The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office funds these increased efforts to ensure the roads are safer for everyone enjoying the festivities.
The enhanced enforcement, as reported by the Maryland State Police news release, will commence today and run through next Monday. Troopers will patrol high-risk areas known for impaired driving-related crashes, including major highways such as Interstates 495, 270, 70, and 81, as well as routes 50, 5, 301, 40, and 65.
Specifically, in the Eastern Region, the enforcement will focus on routes 301 and 50, with additional troopers being deployed for the Ocean City St. Patrick's Day parade. Meanwhile, the Central Region troopers will maintain high visibility along key interstates and routes, collaborating with local law enforcement in Howard and Carroll counties and the Westminster City Police Department. In the Western Region, DUI enforcement is the priority on their designated corridors. The Northern Region's barracks will also place their efforts on areas with a high incidence of impaired-driving crashes, and, in the Southern Region, patrols will be vigilant along routes such as 295 and Interstate 695.
For those celebrating, Maryland State Police recommend designating a sober driver before heading out and handing over your keys to them if you plan to drink. If you plan on driving, avoiding drinking altogether is best. Public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services are suggested alternatives to driving impaired. The State Police also emphasize the importance of staying vigilant on the roads, buckling up, and not getting distracted by activities such as texting or using a non-hands-free cellphone. Hosts are reminded that there can be legal consequences if someone they've served alcohol to is involved in an impaired driving crash.
