Maryland State Police to Ramp Up St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Patrols for Impaired Driving

Maryland State Police are announcing a significant increase in patrols across the state this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, with a primary focus on deterring aggressive, distracted, and impaired driving. The enhanced enforcement, running from Friday, March 13, through Tuesday, March 17, will involve troopers from all 23 barracks, including the specialized State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team. These patrols will concentrate on roadways known for a higher incidence of impaired driving-related crashes. The initiative is supported by funding from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office.

The increased enforcement efforts will be strategically deployed across different regions of Maryland. In the Eastern Region, troopers from the Berlin, Centreville, Easton, Princess Anne, and Salisbury barracks will target major routes like 301 and 50. The Central Region will see high-visibility enforcement on interstates 495 and 270, along with routes 50, 5, and 301, with troopers assigned to the College Park, Forestville, Golden Ring, Rockville, Waterloo, and Westminster barracks. Notably, the Westminster Barrack will coordinate its efforts with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department and the Westminster City Police Department.

In the Western Region, troopers from the Cumberland, Frederick, Hagerstown, and McHenry barracks will focus on crash reduction and DUI enforcement along key corridors including interstates 70 and 81, and routes 40 and 65. The Northern Region, encompassing the Bel Air, JFK Memorial Highway, and North East barracks, will conduct DUI enforcement in areas with a high concentration of impaired driving incidents. The Southern Region will have troopers from the Annapolis, Glen Burnie, La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick barracks patrolling major routes such as 295 and Interstate 695.

For those planning to attend St. Patrick’s Day events, authorities strongly advise designating a sober driver before departing and relinquishing car keys to that individual. It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol if driving is part of the plan. Alternative transportation options, such as public transit, taxis, or ride-sharing services, are encouraged. Additionally, individuals are urged not to allow friends to drive if they appear impaired and to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911. Regardless of plans, all motorists are reminded to always wear their seatbelts and remain attentive, avoiding the use of non-hands-free cell phones while driving.

Individuals hosting St. Patrick’s Day gatherings also bear responsibility. Hosts can be held liable if a guest they served alcohol to is involved in an impaired driving crash. To mitigate risks, hosts should provide ample food and non-alcoholic beverage options. It is also recommended to arrange for sober drivers or alternative transportation for guests who plan to consume alcohol. Keeping contact information for local taxi companies readily available and preventing anyone from driving while impaired by taking their keys are crucial steps.

The Maryland State Police emphasize the importance of responsible celebration, urging all motorists to prioritize safety by abstaining from impaired, aggressive, and distracted driving throughout the holiday weekend.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Maryland State Police

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