Crime & Safety
Sobriety Checkpoints Part Of Holiday Crackdown On MOCO Roads
Sobriety checkpoints and extra police patrols are in effect from Thanksgiving through New Year's in Montgomery County.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Sobriety checkpoints and extra police patrols targeting impaired drivers are in effect ahead of Thanksgiving and will last through New Year's in Montgomery County, police said.
Sobriety checkpoints and extra police patrols began Nov. 20 and will operate through the New Year’s holiday period, ending Jan. 11.
Maryland drivers found guilty of driving under the influence can face loss of license, hefty fines and jail time.
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Last year, the Montgomery County holiday task force arrested 143 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a police news release said.
“The Holiday Task Force will be out in full force to ensure the roads are safe. I am asking everyone to do their part. If you plan to celebrate with alcohol or cannabis, plan ahead to stay off the roads,” said County Executive Marc Elrich in a news release. "We want everyone to be able to enjoy the holidays and get home safely.”
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The National Safety Council estimates 502 people may die on U.S. roads during the extended Thanksgiving holiday weekend, county officials said, and more than one-third of those deaths will be caused by impaired driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend from 2018-22, more than 830 people nationwide died in crashes involving a drunk driver. The biggest risk factor for fatalities in a car crash is not wearing a seatbelt.
In 2022, 32 percent of drivers who were alcohol-impaired in fatal drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday were between the ages of 21 to 34. More than 40 percent of car crash fatalities over the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday weekend involved unsecured passengers.
“The day before Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest days for impaired driving because of the high number of people traveling and choosing to drive while impaired,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada. “Drivers should be aware that our Holiday Task Force will be out on the roads to enhance traffic safety and will stop anyone suspected of driving while impaired.”
Drivers can find a listing of local safe rides on the County’s Vision Zero website here.
The next SoberRide campaign runs from Dec. 13 to Jan. 1, which offers up to $15 off a Lyft Ride. To get the ride credit go to SoberRide.com.
Taxi and Ride Hailing Services Operating in Montgomery County
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