Troopers Are Increasing Patrols on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

Maryland troopers are stepping up patrols on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

According to a Maryland State Police Department news release, police will be focusing on impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers.

“If alcohol is part of your celebration, then driving should not be,” said Colonel William Pallozzi. “We will accept no excuses and will have zero tolerance for anyone who elects to jeopardize his or her own safety, as well as the safety of others, by choosing to drive while impaired.”

Troopers are planning saturation patrols in areas known to have a higher number of DUI crashes or arrests and sobriety checkpoints.

Dozens of additional troopers will be supplementing the regular patrol force during the weekend.

Police have some advice, see below, if you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this weekend.

If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day gathering:

• Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast by pacing yourself – eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
• Always buckle up – it’s still your best protection against other impaired drivers.

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day gathering:

• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired-driving crash.
• Be sure all of your guests designate their drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
• Serve lots of food and be sure to include plenty of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

We will accept no excuses and will have zero tolerance for anyone who elects to jeopardize his or her own safety, as well as others! #safety pic.twitter.com/VDOLO72GsP

— MD State Police (@MDSP) March 16, 2017

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