MD State Police To Increase Patrols Over St. Patrick's Day Weekend

MARYLAND — Maryland State Police plan to increase patrols on some state highways this St. Patrick's 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 roads where impaired driving-related crashes often occur.

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

Drivers are likely to see increased patrols and traffic stops on these roads Friday, March 14, through Monday, March 17:

• Eastern Region: Troopers will focus enforcement efforts on major corridors including routes 301 and 50. The Berlin Barrack will deploy additional troopers for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ocean City.
• Central Region: Troopers will conduct high-visibility enforcement efforts on interstates 495 and 270, as well as routes 50, 5 and 301. Additionally, the Waterloo Barrack will participate in a traffic-enforcement initiative with the Howard County Police Department and the Westminster Barrack will combine enforcement efforts with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department and Westminster City Police Department.
• Western Region: Troopers will focus crash reduction and DUI enforcement efforts on major corridors including interstates 70 and 81 and routes 40 and 65.
• Northern Region: Troopers will conduct DUI enforcement along areas with high rates of impaired-related crashes.
• Southern Region: Troopers will patrol along major routes including 295 and Interstate 695.

If you are attending a St. Patrick's Day event this weekend, Maryland State Police offered the following safety tips:

• Designate a sober driver in advance.
• If you’re planning on driving, avoid drinking. Consider using public transportation, call a taxi or use a ride-share service if you don’t have a sober driver.
• Do not let a friend drive if you suspect they are impaired.
• If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 911.
• Stay alert and focused. Don’t text or drive distracted.
• Move over for all vehicles displaying warning signals. If it is not safe to move over, slow down.