Montgomery County's streets are set to see an uptick in law enforcement presence this summer, as the Montgomery County Police announced a new task force dedicated to curbing impaired driving. According to a recent media advisory, the initiative kicks off on May 21, coinciding with the season of proms, graduations, and sun-worshipping festivities. Assistant Chief David McBain of the Field Services Bureau, Timothy J. Kerns, Ph.D., director of the Maryland Highway Safety Office, and others will be spearheading the campaign out of Montgomery County Public Safety Headquarters.
The task force's mission is clear: to actively deter and swiftly respond to incidents of drunk and impaired driving that might surge during a summer marked by celebrations and holidays. The Montgomery County Police have stressed that enforcement will run continuously through to the end of July. This approach mirrors the vigilance seen around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Rich Leotta, the father of a fallen officer, Noah Leotta, is expected to say a few words at the launch.
Montgomery County Police will not stand alone in this endeavor; they'll be joined by a host of other agencies including the Maryland State Police Spider Team, the Maryland State Police Rockville Barracks, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, the Rockville City Police, the Maryland National Capital Park Police – Montgomery County, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Each entity is committed to ensuring the roads remain a safe passage for those moving in and around Montgomery County.
The announcement comes after a relentless push not just locally but nationwide to reduce instances of accidents and fatalities due to impaired driving. "Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe," Leslie Kimball, the executive director of Responsibility.org, said, according to the Montgomery County media advisory. With such partnerships and collaborative efforts highlighting the importance of shared responsibility, the program aims to vigorously enforce safe driving practices and reduce preventable traffic-related incidents.
