Sobriety Checkpoints, Extra Patrols Target Impaired MOCO Drivers

Crime & Safety

Sobriety Checkpoints, Extra Patrols Target Impaired MOCO Drivers Sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols will be on MOCO roads targeting impaired drivers from Thanksgiving through New Year's, police said.

Sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols will be on Montgomery County roads targeting impaired drivers from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, police said. (Shutterstock)

— Sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols will be out on county roads targeting impaired drivers throughout the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday period, Montgomery County officials said.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation and the Montgomery County Police Department have activated a "Holiday Task Force" to combat the annual increase in the number of fatal alcohol-related crashes.

Police officers from multiple agencies focus on detecting impaired drivers Nov. 8 through Jan. 13.

The extended Thanksgiving holiday is one of the most heavily traveled times of the year and the evening before Thanksgiving historically is one of the busiest nights for bars and restaurants, with high drinking rates that lead to collisions, a county news release said.

In Montgomery County alone, there were 291 impaired drivers arrested during the 2022 Holiday Task Force.

“Unfortunately, impaired driving is a real threat to our community, and that threat increases during holidays like Thanksgiving,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “The Wednesday before Thanksgiving ... is an especially high-risk night for impaired driving. If you choose to drink, plan out a safe ride home beforehand. Hurting yourself, and potentially others, driving while intoxicated will not only ruin the holidays, but your entire life. Enjoy the holidays, but please, drive sober.”

The night before Thanksgiving is especially dangerous, as it has been dubbed “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving.” These nicknames have come to describe a cultural phenomenon in which friends gather the night before the holiday for drinks, and as a result, drunk driving-related crashes increase, officials said.

“A larger number of people on the road, coupled with higher drinking rates, makes for a more dangerous travel period. The fact that 31 percent of all our roadway fatalities involve drunk drivers is staggering," said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. "Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous for everyone on our roads.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 190 people were killed during the 2021 Thanksgiving holiday period (6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, through 5:59 a.m. Monday, Nov. 29). Additionally, more than four times as many drivers involved in fatal crashes were alcohol-impaired during nighttime than during the day.

Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Every year, more than 10,000 people are arrested for driving under the influence offenses in Maryland. Penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in Maryland could include jail time, significant fines and license points, mandatory ignition interlock and license suspension.

“As we enter the holiday season, the Montgomery County Police Holiday Task Force is taking measures to enhance road safety. Our officers will be conducting sobriety checkpoints across Montgomery County,” said Police Chief Marcus Jones. “I urge everyone to prioritize the safety of themselves and others by refraining from drinking and driving. Plan ahead, whether it's designating a driver, utilizing public transportation or opting for a ride-share service. Let's work together to ensure a safe and joyful holiday season for everyone on our roads.”

Drivers can find a listing of local safe rides on the County’s Vision Zero website .

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