FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 26, 2018
MDTA POLICE STEPPING UP IMPAIRED
DRIVING ENFORCEMENT DURING HALLOWEEN
Driving Shouldn’t Be Scary!
BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police will be adding supplemental patrols from Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, through Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, focusing enforcement efforts on impaired, distracted and aggressive drivers.
“Drivers are urged to not drink and drive while celebrating the Halloween holiday. If you do choose to consume alcohol, please use alternative transportation options such as ride-share services or public transportation,” said MDTA Police Chief Col. Jerry Jones.
Halloween is meant to be scary, but not when it comes to driving. It’s a night for friends and family to enjoy candy, costumes and making memories. However, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Halloween drunk-driving fatalities are on the rise. From 2012 - 2016 there were 168 drunk-driving fatalities on Halloween night.
The MDTA Police remind you to have a three-step plan prior to going out for a night of drinking.
- Choose a designated driver.
- Call a taxi or ride-share service.
- Take public transportation.
The MDTA Police are committed to reducing traffic crashes that result in serious injuries and deaths on our roadways. So far this year, the MDTA Police have made 716 impaired-driving arrests.
The MDTA Police supports the “Toward Zero Deaths” campaign -- a partnership to save lives and prevent injuries on Maryland’s roadways. For more information, visit towardzerodeathsmd.com.