Impaired Drivers Target Of Extra MD Police Patrols This Memorial Day Weekend

MARYLAND — Maryland State Police plan to increase patrols on some state highways this Memorial Day weekend, and troopers will be targeting impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers.

According to a release from state police, troopers from all 23 barracks will conduct high-visibility patrols on interstates and major corridors starting Friday and continuing through Monday.

The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort team will also be out to identify impaired drivers, authorities said.

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Drivers are likely to see increased patrols and traffic stops on the following roads this weekend:

• Eastern Maryland: Routes 50, 13, 301, 404 and 413.
• Central Maryland: Interstates 495, 95 and 695.
• Western Maryland: Troopers will increase patrols in areas known to have a higher number of traffic-related incidents including Interstate 68 and Route 219
• Northern Maryland: Troopers will increase patrols in areas known to have a higher number of impaired driving crashes, including Routes 40 and 213.
• Southern Maryland: Troopers will increase patrols along Route 50 and Interstate 97 and throughout the counties.

Nearly 44 million people are expected to travel Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA's annual holiday travel forecast. The number marks a 4 percent increase compared to 2023 and is expected to be the second highest since 2005.

Over the past five years in Maryland, nearly 800 people have been killed in crashes involving an impaired driver, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration. In fact, deaths caused by impaired driving crashes amount to nearly a third of all roadway fatalities, state officials said.

In 2022 alone, 135 people died in crashes involving drugs or alcohol, according to the data.

If you are attending a Memorial Day event:

• Designate a sober driver. Give that person your car keys.
• Avoid drinking if you are planning to drive.
• Consider using public transportation. Call a taxi or use a ride-share service.
• Do not let friends drive if you think they are impaired.
• Call the police if you see someone who you believe is driving impaired.
• Always buckle up.
• Do not text, drive distracted or use a cellphone that is not hands-free.

If you are hosting a Memorial Day event:

• Remember that you can be held liable if someone you served alcohol to ends up in an impaired driving crash.
• Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Ensure sober drivers or alternative modes of transportation are available.
• Have contact information for local taxi companies readily available.
• Take away the keys from anyone who is thinking about driving impaired.

Increased enforcement efforts are funded by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office.