BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland State Police will increase patrols across the state this Independence Day weekend, targeting impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers. The heightened enforcement begins Friday, July 4, and continues through Sunday, July 6.
All 23 Maryland State Police barracks will participate in high-visibility patrols. The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, a specialized unit, will also be deployed to reduce incidents related to impaired driving. These initiatives are funded by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office.
“Maryland State Police initiatives are designed to prevent dangerous driving behaviors and to save lives,” the agency said in a press release.
Troopers will focus on key roadways in five regions:
- Eastern Region: U.S. Routes 13, 50, 90, 301, and Maryland Route 413, along with other county roads. Barracks involved include Berlin, Centreville, Easton, Princess Anne and Salisbury.
- Central Region: Interstates 495, 270, 695, and Maryland Routes 185, 97, 193. College Park, Forestville, Golden Ring, Rockville, Waterloo and Westminster barracks will be involved.
- Western Region: U.S. Routes 220, 40, and 65, and Interstates 8, 68, and 70. Enforcement will be conducted by troopers from the Cumberland, Frederick, Hagerstown and McHenry barracks.
- Northern Region: U.S. Route 40 and other areas with a history of impaired driving crashes. This includes the Bel Air, JFK Memorial Highway and North East barracks.
- Southern Region: U.S. Route 50, Maryland Route 295, and Interstate 97. Annapolis, Glen Burnie, La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick barracks will be involved.
State Police urged those celebrating to plan for a sober ride. Recommendations include designating a sober driver, using public transportation or ride-share services, and preventing impaired friends from driving.
For hosts of Fourth of July events, police advise serving plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring sober transportation options are available, and taking keys from anyone planning to drive while impaired. Hosts can be held liable if someone they served alcohol to is involved in an impaired driving crash.
Police also reminded all drivers to buckle up and avoid distracted driving, including texting or using a non-hands-free cellphone.
Photo by Burak Kebapci from Pexels
