St. Mary’s County will have many options for entertainment and fun this 4th of July weekend.   Whether you are attending a River Concert, Freedom Fest,  Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department 4th of July Event, a concert at Sotterley or just enjoying a holiday cookout with family and friends, pay attention to safety.

There have been nine impaired driving crashes in the past five years over the 4th of July weekend in St. Mary's County.  Law enforcement officers, advocates and hosts of these wonderful events encourage everyone to drive safely, use your seat belts, and don’t drive impaired.  Law enforcement officers will be targeting persons drinking under the age of 21, adults furnishing to persons under the age of 21 and anyone who makes the decision to get behind the wheel while impaired. 

The choice is simple.  If you choose to drink, just don't get behind the wheel.  Call a cab, designate a driver before the celebration begins, or plan to spend the night.  If you are visiting one of the local establishments, ask the bartender about Tipsy Taxi. 

Residents are reminded that officers will be out in force this weekend doing their part to make the roads safe for everyone. Impaired driving enforcement is part of the national campaign, Checkpoint Strikeforce and aggressive driving enforcement is part of the regional campaign Smooth Operator.  Funds for the Sheriffs Office operations, in part, will be provided by the St. Mary’s County Highway Safety Program through a grant with the Maryland Highway Safety Office.

For more information, contact your local Community Traffic Safety Program Coordinator Ms. Jacqueline Beckman at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1850 or email jbeckman@stmarysmd.com