(PIKESVILLE, MD) – The Maryland State Police are anticipating higher traffic volume and warning drivers they can expect an increase enforcement of speed, seatbelt and most importantly DUI laws this Labor Day weekend.
As summer ends and Labor Day weekend approaches, many celebrants will be celebrating with friends and family. In efforts to increase safety, the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort team (SPIDRE) and troopers statewide will be out in force focusing efforts on impaired, distracted, and aggressive drivers. This effort is intended to reduce traffic crashes and the resulting injuries and deaths on Maryland roads. The Maryland State Police remind drivers all year, but especially during our extended holiday weekends, that drinking alcohol and driving is never a good choice.
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a high visibility enforcement campaign, which runs from August 17 to September 3, 2018. During this period Maryland State Police and local law enforcement will be working together to save lives and will have zero tolerance for drunk driving.
Operation Beltway Blitz will be underway this Labor Day weekend, focusing on aggressive driving, crash reduction, and impaired driving. Operation Beltway Blitz will begin on August 31 to September 1, 2018 and will be concentrating its efforts on the Capital Beltway (495). If media personnel would like to schedule a ride along with troopers during the initiative, please contact the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack at (301) 345-3101. In addition, all 23 state police barracks will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols throughout the state.
As Maryland State Troopers continue to support the Maryland Department of Transportation’s campaign “Toward Zero Deaths,” motorists need to be aware of the dangers of alcohol. Alcohol takes affect quickly and wears off slowly. It tends to reduce one’s control, judgment, and coordination. In addition, perceptual abilities, speech and speed of reflexes can be impaired.
Impaired drivers can face jail time, lose their driver’s licenses, incur higher insurance rates, and dozens of other expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, to lost wages due to time off from work. Even worse, a drunk driver can claim someone’s life, or even their own.
Please follow these tips to keep Maryland roads safe this Labor Day Weekend:
· Have a plan before you drink any alcoholic beverages. One drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk.
· Designate a driver.
· Be attentive while traveling this holiday.
· Ensure everyone is secured by a seatbelt.
· Call 911 to report drunk drivers.