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Montgomery County Issues Warning Against Impaired Driving Ahead of Independence Day, with Increased Enforcement Planned

For Immediate Release: Monday, July 1, 2024



The Montgomery County Department of Police and the County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) are reminding holiday travelers who choose to celebrate with alcohol to plan ahead for a safe ride home ahead of the extended Independence Day weekend. 


"We want everyone to enjoy their Independence Day celebrations, but it’s crucial to do so responsibly," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "The increased enforcement over the holiday weekend is about keeping our community safe. Please plan ahead, use the available resources like SoberRide and make sure you have a safe way to get home. Let's all do our part to prevent unnecessary tragedies on our roads." 


Marked by celebrations and increased travel, the holiday weekend often comes with a surge in traffic crashes caused by excessive speed, impairment and distracted driving. The National Safety Council estimates 599 people may die on U.S. roads this Independence Day holiday.  


"Our officers will be out in full force over the extended weekend," said Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada. "We will be conducting sobriety checkpoints to remove impaired drivers. I urge anyone who is planning to celebrate with alcohol to plan ahead for a safe ride home." 


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

MCDOT strongly advises celebrants to make arrangements ahead of time for safe transportation to and from events. 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.   


"The extended Independence Day weekend is expected to bring a record number of travelers on the road," said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. "With Independence Day falling on a Thursday, we know many people will take an extended weekend to travel or celebrate locally. Reckless driving caused by impairment, excessive speed or distraction poses a serious threat to anyone out and enjoying the holiday. Drivers need to use extra caution while on the roads and make alternate plans to get home if they are not able to drive safely."  


To aid this effort, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s SoberRide®, in partnership with Lyft, will offer a limited number of codes for $15 off a Lyft from 4 p.m. Thursday, July 4, until 4 a.m. Friday, July 5. The first 1,500 passengers who enter a promo code that will be posted here on July 4 at 3 p.m. will receive free rides up to $15. Users must be 21 or older and are responsible for any costs above $15. The service is valid in Lyft’s Washington, D.C. coverage area. 


To request a SoberRide: 

  1. Go to SoberRide.com.
  2. During an active campaign time, the website will list the promo code.
  3. Open the Lyft App on your smartphone.
  4. Tap the menu icon in the top left corner.
  5. Tap 'Rewards' in the menu that appears.
  6. Tap 'Enter promo code' to add the SoberRide® code from the website (remember to check spelling).
  7. Tap 'Apply' to finish. 


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: 24-307
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Public Safety, Transportation