The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) 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 Independence Day, Friday, July 4 and throughout the three-day holiday weekend.

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 that 437 people may die on the roads during the Independence Day holiday weekend, one of the deadliest times of the year.   

“With Independence Day falling on a Friday this year, we know many people will take the opportunity to celebrate throughout the weekend,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “AAA estimates more than 1.65 million residents in the D.C. metro area will be on the roads during the extended weekend. I urge all drivers to stay safe and stay vigilant. Follow the rules of the road, stay sober behind the wheel, put down your phone and be courteous to other drivers.” 

Maryland drivers found guilty of driving under the influence can face loss of license, hefty fines and jail time.  The MCPD Summer Task Force, which focuses on detecting impaired drivers, will deploy officers to the roads during the extended weekend. The Summer Task Force has made 454 traffic stops since the program’s launch on May 21, 2025, leading to 60 DUI arrests, 551 citations and 646 warnings.  

“As we celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, I want to remind everyone that choosing a sober ride isn’t just the safe choice—it’s the responsible one,” said MCPD Chief Marc Yamada. “Our officers and partners are committed to keeping our roads safe, but we need the community’s help. Please don’t drink and drive. Plan ahead, use a designated driver or rideshare and let’s make sure everyone gets home safely this holiday.” 

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.    

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 ride from 4 p.m. Friday, July 4, until 4 a.m. Saturday, July 5. The first 1,500 passengers who enter a promo code that will be posted here on Friday, 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.
7. Tap 'Apply' to finish.  

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

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