PLAN FOR FIESTA ON CINCO DE MAYO AND A DESIGNATED DRIVER

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – As motorists travel the roads to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, state police urge citizens to make it a time of fiesta by preventing impaired driving and plan for a designated driver.

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown has ordered impaired driving initiatives to be conducted throughout the state on May 5, 2014. 

Troopers from each of the 22 state police installations as well as the State Police Impaired Driving Effort (S.P.I.D.R.E.) will be out working a variety of enforcement programs. These initiatives will include DUI saturation patrols and checkpoints. Troopers will also target aggressive and distracted drivers. 

“Cinco de Mayo has become a big night out for many, particularly among young adults,” said Colonel Brown. “But it is also a very dangerous night out because of alcohol-impaired drivers. Those celebrating should be sure to designate their sober driver in advance, before the festivities begin.” 

In 2013 two people died on Maryland roads while nationally, 89 people died on the roads around Cinco de Mayo. In fact, from 2011 to 2012, the number of people killed in drunk driving crashes on Cinco de Mayo more than doubled. 

The Maryland State Police are encouraging motorists to plan before they party. Most people do not plan to drink and drive, but unfortunately they do not have a plan at all. Before you start to drink on Cinco de Mayo, designate a safe, sober driver.

• If you are planning on drinking, leave your car keys at home.

• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.

• If you can’t find a safe ride or you choose to walk home, remember that walking impaired can be just as dangerous as driving impaired. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1. You could save a life.

• And remember, if you know people who are about to drive or ride with someone who is impaired, help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely. If a friend is drunk and wants to drive, intervene and take the keys away if you have to.

Maryland State Police