The Frederick Police Department is joining other federal, state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials to remind those who plan on using alcohol during St. Patrick’s Day festivities to act responsibly by designating sober drivers.
The Frederick Police Department and their partners will have saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints this Saint Patrick’s Day weekend in an effort to prevent and reduce traffic accidents. We also will support any DUI Check Points conducted by the Frederick County Highway Safety Task Force under Checkpoint Strike force.
In every State, as well as the District of Columbia, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter or higher.
In 2008 there were 8,137 impaired driving crashes in Maryland. Nearly 4,291 persons were injured in these crashes and 164 people lost their lives. In Frederick County there were 285 impaired driving related crashes, 6 of those resulted in fatalities.
St. Patrick’s Day has become a big night out for many Americans, particularly young adults. But it is also a very dangerous night out due to impaired drivers. That’s why we are reminding all those seeking a little luck to use common sense this year and designate their sober driver in advance – before the festivities even begin. Whether you are just meeting a few friends at the corner pub or attending a party, if you plan on using alcohol, do not drive – and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired. Designating a sober driver and making sure friends don’t drive drunk are just two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving.
Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not worth the risk, not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be really significant. Violators often face jail time, loss of their driver’s licenses, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Their insurance rates go up. Other financial costs include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects.
Kim C. Dine, Chief of Police, Frederick Police Department said, “Our officers will be out there saving lives and reducing traffic accidents by enforcing traffic safety laws. Our proactive approach includes efforts at educating the public and apprising our citizens ahead of time to improve voluntary compliance. Enlightened communication with our citizens is one of the best ways to improve safety and the quality of life in our City. We want our citizens to know we will be out there protecting them and saving lives."
Don’t risk your freedom, your career, your license, or your life this holiday season. Designate your sober driver before the party begins.