Maryland State Police stepping up patrols to deter impaired driving on St. Patrick's Day
BALTIMORE - St. Patrick's Day is here and people throughout Maryland are celebrating.
But, if you plan on drinking, you need to make sure you're doing so responsibly.
Maryland State Troopers are increasing patrols this weekend in areas known to have high DUI incidents.
In Anne Arundel County, troopers will be on Route 50, Interstate 97 and the Annapolis city area. In Baltimore County, troopers will focus on the Beltway.
"With St. Patrick's Day being a drinking day so to speak, it is very concerning to us," Master Trooper Hasim Johnson said. "Every weekend is concerning to us."
Unfortunately, there was at least one deadly crash this weekend.
In the early morning hours of St. Patrick's Day, Howard County Police said an Acura driving the wrong way on Route 100 in Ellicott City crashed into a Subaru and a Lincoln.
Two women – the driver of the Acura and of the Subaru – were killed.
Officers say the driver of the Acura was not wearing a seatbelt at the time. They say the cause of the crash is under investigation.
WJZ spoke to many people enjoying the holiday festivities. They tell us, they've planned to make sure they celebrate safely.
"I only live like a couple blocks up, so we walked," Eric, from Canton, said.
"Call a friend," Shawntay, from Baltimore, said. "Do not get behind that wheel if you're drinking."
State police encourages people who are hosting St. Patrick's Day parties to make sure their guests take taxis or ride shares and to take the keys away from anyone they think is not safe to drive.
