The holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving.  Impaired drivers are a danger on St. Mary’s County roadways and have claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people in the State of Maryland since 1998.

That’s why St. Mary’s County Highway Safety, including St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police Leonardtown, Department of Natural Resources Police and DOD Police are joining with National, State and local highway safety officials to remind everyone who will be celebrating during the Holidays that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and to never forget to plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

Drivers can expect to see more officers on the roadways looking for impaired drivers, during routine patrols, saturation patrols and conducting sobriety checkpoints. Officers will also be continuing their partnership with licensed establishments conducting Cops in Shops, a Century Council program, looking for persons underage attempting to purchase alcohol and adults furnishing alcohol for persons under the age of 21. 

“The consumption of alcohol, drugs and driving just don’t mix,” said St. Mary’s County Sheriff, Tim Cameron. “Whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else.  Don’t ever get behind a wheel of a vehicle when you are impaired.”

There has been an increase in partnerships over the past years to address and raise awareness to prevent impaired driving.  Look for tree tags with impaired driving messages and safe driving tips at various locations on Christmas trees.  Check with bartenders when needed about the Tipsy Taxi or other sober ride programs. Military personnel should contact the duty officer or barrack staff if a sober ride is needed. Variable Messaging Signs will be used throughout the county during the Holiday season reminding the public not to drive impaired.

Following these easy steps, drivers can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their lives and the lives of the others who may be on the road:  

* Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin 
* Before drinking,  designate a sober driver and give that person your keys
* If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely 
* Ask your bartender - St. Mary’s County Highway Safety offers Tipsy Taxi sober ride program offering FREE taxi rides home; 
* If you are military contact the base duty officer or your barrack for a sober ride;
* If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
* Finally, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Remember, our community members killed in crashes involving impaired drivers represent loved ones, family members, friends and co-workers whose memories deserve to be honored throughout the entire year.  St. Mary’s County will preserve the memory of impaired driving victims and will work diligently to eliminate incidents of drunk driving.

“Saving lives on our roads is a top priority and we need everyone’s help to do it,” LT. Michael Thompson, Maryland State Police Leonardtown. “This holiday season, don’t let your year end in an arrest—or even worse, death. Make smart decisions. Plan ahead, so you can assure a safe way home.”

For more information, contact your local Community Traffic Safety Program Coordinator, Department of Human Services, Ms. Jacqueline Beckman at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1850 or email jackie.beckman@co.saint-marys.md.us.