Framed photos of the faces of those claimed by America’s most commonly committed violent crime – drunk or impaired driving – graced the Miller Senate Building in Annapolis yesterday as Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown joined Maryland leaders, law enforcement representatives and families and friends of victims for the 8th annual Maryland Remembers tribute. Maryland Remembers honors the lives of those lost to drunk driving crashes on Maryland roads.
“By giving voice to those silenced by drunk driving, Maryland Remembers serves as a powerful deterrent to anyone tempted to get behind the wheel after drinking,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “With more than 170 Marylanders killed by drunk drivers last year, our message must be loud and clear as we head into the holiday season, a time when fatalities rise: Don’t drink and drive.”
In 2010, Maryland experienced 177 alcohol-related fatalities, which represented 36 percent of all traffic fatalities. Also in 2010, over 22,000 arrests were made for DUI in Maryland, an average of 62 per day. Law enforcement agencies across the state will dedicate additional resources to impaired driving enforcement throughout the remainder of the year.
Lt. Governor Brown was joined by Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown in a somber procession of victims’ friends and family members carrying photos of their lost loves ones. The procession was followed by a candle lighting ceremony as the victims’ names were read aloud.
Speaking on behalf of the Maryland State Police and fellow law enforcement agencies across the state, Colonel Brown confirmed that officers will be especially diligent in catching and arresting drunk drivers. “Our goal is simple: Drive sober or get pulled over.”
Among the victims remembered today was Maryland Transit Authority Police Corporal Courtney G. Brooks. Corporal Brooks was struck on December 31, 2007, by a hit-and-run vehicle and died the following day. A 13-year police veteran, Cpl. Brooks was struck while placing flares to divert commercial vehicles away from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area during New Year’s Eve festivities. The driver of the vehicle was apprehended and sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatal collision and driving under the influence. Corporal Brooks was an MDTA officer during Colonel Brown’s tenure as Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.
