MARYLAND STATE POLICE RAMP UP PATROLS AHEAD OF ST. PATRICK'S DAY WEEKEND

State of MD - As St. Patrick's Day weekend approaches, the Maryland State Police are gearing up to ensure a safe holiday for all residents. The department's increased saturation patrols are part of an effort to curb aggressive, distracted, and impaired driving - behaviors that often lead to accidents, especially during festive periods.

Troopers from all 23 State Police barracks, including those from the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, will be on high alert along the stretches where such incidents are most frequent. This extra enforcement effort is made possible by funding from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration's Highway Safety Office.

From Friday, March 14 through Monday, March 17, several initiatives will be rolled out across the state:

• In the Eastern Region, focused enforcement will be carried out along routes 301 and 50, and additional troopers will be deployed for the St. Patrick's Day parade in Ocean City.
• In the Central Region, high-visibility enforcement efforts will cover interstates 495 and 270, and routes 50, 5, and 301. Traffic authorities from Waterloo and Westminster will collaborate with local police departments for enhanced enforcement.
• In the Western Region, the focus will be on crash reduction and DUI enforcement along major corridors including interstates 70 and 81, and routes 40 and 65.
• In the Northern Region, troopers will concentrate their DUI enforcement on areas with high rates of impaired-related crashes.
• In the Southern Region, patrols will be intensified along major routes including 295, and Interstate 695.

As you plan your St. Patrick's Day festivities, the State Police encourages everyone to make sober choices and follow responsible driving practices.

If attending events, secure a designated driver or use public transportation. For hosts, remember to serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages and arrange for safe transportation options for your guests.

As the community comes together to celebrate this St. Patrick's Day, let's all remember to drive safely, responsibly, and to look out for one another. Avoid impaired, aggressive and distracted driving - your safety and the safety of others rely on it.