Press Releases - Department of Transportation

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 24, 2024

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Montgomery County Department of Police and the County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) are issuing a critical warning to motorists: plan out your night and never get behind the wheel of a car while impaired. Montgomery County Police and allied local and State police departments will be on the roads with enhanced patrols and sobriety checkpoints to get impaired drivers off the road.

Nationally, the holiday weekend, marked by celebrations and increased travel, often comes with a surge in traffic crashes caused by excessive speed, impairment and distracted driving. The National Safety Council estimates 418 people may die on U.S. roads this Memorial Day holiday.

“Our officers will be conducting saturation patrols and arresting intoxicated drivers throughout this extended weekend,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones. "We encourage everyone who plans to be on the roads this weekend to make safe, responsible choices. The tragedy that occurs when people get behind the wheel intoxicated is 100 percent preventable.”

The County’s Vision Zero effort to prevent death and injury on Montgomery County roadways offers a listing of local safe rides on its website here.

“As we approach the summer months, I encourage everyone to play a role in keeping our roadways safe,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “If you are planning to attend an event that serves alcohol, make arrangements in advance to get home safely. If you see someone who seems impaired get behind the wheel, say something. MCDOT has made significant investments to our infrastructure to promote safe and accessible transportation options, including continuous improvements to our transit system through Ride On Reimagined. I encourage anyone who needs a ride home to consider public transportation as a safe and viable alternative to driving.”

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.

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Release ID: 24-070
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282