Police Warn Maryland Motorists To Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over

Drunk driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Maryland. Despite efforts to make the public more aware of how dangerous it is, Maryland drunk driving crashes continue to leave hundreds of victims suffering devastating personal injuries each year.

While all motorists need to be very aware of the hazards and consciously take steps to prevent it, law enforcement plays a primary role in preventing potentially deadly DUI accidents. Our Maryland car accident attorneys protect the rights of injured victims and their families and explain how the Drive Sober and Pull Over Campaign hopes to reduce the risks.

Law Enforcement Officials Work Together To Prevent Drunk Driving In Maryland

Each year, from the end of August through late September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) focuses on making roads safer through the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. This time of year typically sees a marked increase in DUI crashes, which can cause severe and potentially life-threatening injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists involved.

Through collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local authorities, the goal is to prevent drunk driving and apprehend impaired motorists before a crash can occur. Efforts made in reaching this goal include:

• Increased public awareness through social media and other sources;
• Increased police presence on the roads;
• Increased traffic stops and DUI checkpoints;
• Increased efforts among prosecutors to make DUI charges stick.

Reducing Maryland Drunk Driving Car Accident Risks

Maryland has strict laws prohibiting drunk driving, and a conviction carries serious criminal penalties. In addition to driver’s license and vehicle registration suspensions, mandatory community service, and heavy fines, drunk drivers can also face a possible mandatory minimum jail sentence.

Unfortunately, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) reports that alcohol-related car accidents continue to claim the lives of over 100 people throughout the state each year. To reduce your risk of being involved in this type of accident, follow these tips:

• Be aware that even one or two drinks can cause impairments that impact you behind the wheel.
• If you go out and plan on having any amount of alcohol, make other arrangements to get home.
• Be cautious when driving, biking, or walking at night, on weekends, and over holidays, which is when most DUI crashes in Maryland occur.
• If you see signs indicating another motorist is driving under the influence, pull over at a safe location and notify law enforcement.

Injured In An Alcohol-Related Crash? Contact Our Maryland Car Accident Attorneys

Drunk drivers endanger themselves and everyone else on the road. If you or someone you love is involved in this type of crash, get the trusted, local legal guidance you need to file a claim at Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP. To protect your rights, give us a call or contact our office online.

Sources:

nhtsa.gov/campaign/drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over

mdta.maryland.gov/Police/traffic-safety