Press Releases - Department of Transportation

For Immediate Release: Monday, November 25, 2024

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) are warning residents ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday to plan their night and not drive if they choose to celebrate with alcohol or have used cannabis.

MCPD has activated a "Holiday Task Force" to detect impaired drivers. MCPD established sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols starting November 20, in advance of Thanksgiving and lasting through the New Year’s holiday period, ending on January 11.

“The start of the holiday season marks a busy time for travel, with people visiting friends and family, and attending parties and other festivities,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The Holiday Task Force will be out in full force to ensure the roads are safe. I am asking everyone to do their part. If you plan to celebrate with alcohol or cannabis, plan ahead to stay off the roads. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the holidays and get home safely.”

As part of Montgomery County’s Vision Zero effort to prevent death and injury on its roadways, the County annually implements a Holiday Task Force in which police officers from multiple agencies devote time and attention to detecting impaired drivers.

Maryland drivers found guilty of driving under the influence can face loss of license, hefty fines and jail time.

Last year, the Montgomery County Holiday Task Force arrested 143 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“This time of year brings a significant increase in the number of drivers on the road, along with an increase in alcohol consumption and longer daytime periods of darkness,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The National Safety Council estimates 502 people may die on U.S. roads during the extended Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and more than one-third of those deaths will be caused by impaired driving. I urge anyone planning to celebrate with alcohol or cannabis to find an alternative to driving home. Designate a driver before heading out, utilize a ride-share service or plan to take public transportation.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend from 2018-22, more than 830 people nationwide died in crashes involving a drunk driver. The biggest risk factor for fatalities in a car crash is not wearing a seatbelt. In 2022, 32 percent of drivers who were alcohol-impaired in fatal drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday were between the ages of 21 to 34. More than 40 percent of car crash fatalities over the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday weekend involved unsecured passengers.

“The day before Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest days for impaired driving because of the high number of people traveling and choosing to drive while impaired,” said MCPD Police Chief Marc Yamada. “Drivers should be aware that our Holiday Task Force will be out on the roads to enhance traffic safety and will stop anyone suspected of driving while impaired. I urge motorists to plan ahead for a safe ride home and to call 911 immediately if you see someone who may be driving under the influence.”

Drivers can find a listing of local safe rides on the County’s Vision Zero website here. 

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

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Release ID: 24-148
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282