Eastern Shore Police Take Aim At Drunk Drivers Through Toward Zero Deaths
EASTON, M.D. – Every 57 hours a drunk driver kills someone on Maryland’s roadways. Preventing such tragedies from striking Maryland families is why police from across the Eastern Shore are joining together for a targeted, heightened effort to catch drunk drivers.
Over forty law enforcement agencies will be out in force on Friday nights, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. during the month of August, cracking down on drunk driving. Weekend, nighttime enforcement is integral to drunk driving prevention since 68 percent of alcohol-impairment-related crashes occur in the overnight hours and 62 percent occur Friday through Sunday.
“We won’t tolerate impaired driving and we refuse to accept the fact that nearly three people die every week due to this crime. Drunk driving is a completely preventable violent crime and we’re fully committed to doing just that. We are serious when we say that, if you find yourself drunk behind the wheel, then you’ll also find yourself behind bars.” warned Easton Police Chief David Spencer.
In 2011, there were 63 roadway fatalities in the nine counties that comprise the Eastern Shore. Of those, 44 percent were alcohol or drug related. “These aren’t just statistics,” said Talbot County Sheriff Dallas Pope. “These are lives lost and families grieving. One bad decision could be fatal for you and those around you.”
This intensified enforcement effort along the Eastern Shore coincides with the new statewide Toward Zero Deaths campaign, which kicked off August 1. From aggressive driving to seatbelt compliance to driving while impaired to other causes of highway fatalities, Toward Zero Deaths is focused on reducing highway mortality through policy changes, public health efforts, communications outreach and other elements. This initiative brings together law enforcement, elected officials, and champions in the community in an effort to change perception of highway safety.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the last six months of the year are the deadliest on the state’s roadways. Over a five year span, there were 13 percent more fatalities on the roads in Maryland from July to December than during the first six months.
“Our goal is to prevent tragic outcomes for families across our region,” stated Sheriff Pope.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
6 comments:
Sit out side a bar, Watch the people leaving Not hard to catch a drunk if you really wanted to.
What about that DA that drove drunk with a loaded pistol on the front passenger seat? Ah, slap on the wrist. I see how things work.
This is just lip service, if your a states attorney you can get away with it.
Please half of them are drunk cops.
Well, hopefully they'll catch all the idiots that mistake Rt 50 (E & W) for the Autobahn. I'm so sick of being tailgated when I'm doing 67 in THE SLOW LANE!
I also hope they catch the jerks that bypass the Hobbs Road light by exiting right onto Hobbs, crossing traffic, then jump back onto 50 just to get to the bypass ramp!
GRRR!
Arrest the cops themselves then as they are constantly impaired by the euphoria of power and lawlessness while behind the wheel.
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