Beginning on Friday April 17 and continuing through Sunday April 19, troopers from the Leonardtown Barrack will be out in force.  The Maryland State Police will focus on impaired driving as well as speed/aggressive driving.  Troopers will be strategically placed to ensure maximum coverage during Spring Launch in Solomon’s.  Along with regular patrols, high concentration enforcement operations will be conducted in locations centralized along the corridors entering and exiting the Spring Launch events.  The community is advised to obey speed limits and plan ahead.  If you plan to drink, remember to designate a sober driver or make other arrangements to arrive home safely.  Always wear your seatbelt.  

Although this weekend is marked as a high-risk event with the Tiki Bar opening, in Calvert County, Troopers in St. Mary’s County are well aware that alcohol and aggressive driving related crashes can occur anytime and anywhere.   

“The time is now to make plans to designating a driver, call a cab, or make other arrangements for a sober ride home,” said Lt. Mike Thompson, Barrack Commander.  “As a result of concentrated enforcement, anyone making the unwise decision to drive impaired will be arrested!”

There will be a designed driver sign up booth, free non-alcoholic drinks, and promotional items to reward designated drivers at locations during Spring Launch.  Additionally, those planning to attend should ask local hotels if shuttles are available.  Local cab companies will be staged in the area.  If necessary, ask about the Tipsy Taxi service this weekend.   There are many safe and legal options available.  Impaired driving crashes are preventable.  If your plan this weekend is to catch a buzz, catch a sober ride!  It is that simple.    

This weekend’s saturation patrol is a continuing effort to increase awareness and reduce the number of crashes in our county as well as the state of Maryland.  Additional enforcement efforts will continue throughout the year with the Maryland State Police – Leonardtown Barrack and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office working in a collaborative effort to arrest those who drive impaired.  Over the Limit, Under Arrest.