The holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving.  In December of 2006, 1,076 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclists with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.  

 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.

 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 Tim Cameron, Sheriff, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. “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.”

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

- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
- Before drinking,  please 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 happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
- And remember, 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.

 “Saving lives on our roads is a top priority and we need everyone’s help to do it,” LT. Brian Cedar, Commander of Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack. “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.”

 Jacqueline Beckman, CTSP Coordinator asks everyone to be diligent and involved in the efforts to reduce the number of people injured and killed in impaired driving crashes.  If you see a suspected impaired driver on the roadways – Call 911 or #77 on your cell phone. 

 Whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk. If you’re over the limit, you’ll be under arrest.