The Frederick Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at an undisclosed location over the Holidays as part of a December initiative to promote awareness and reduce the number of alcohol-impaired drivers on the roads. The December enforcement project is being conducted in partnership with the Maryland Highway Safety Office as part of a year-long campaign to keep Frederick area roads safe for residents and travelers.
The checkpoint will be clearly marked with signs, lights and uniformed officers. Officers will utilize both marked and unmarked vehicles and will be checking for violations including driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to wear seatbelts and failure to use child safety seats as required. The Frederick Police Department plans to conduct a total of 6 checkpoints over the course of the next year, specifically targeting drunk and drugged drivers.
In 2012, the Frederick Police Department arrested 356 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol. Traffic crashes continue to be a leading cause of death for Maryland residents, and Frederick County has averaged 7 alcohol-related fatal crashes per year over the past 5 years. Police urge drivers to always drive sober, obey the speed limit, wear a seatbelt and eliminate distractions while on the roadways. If you see an impaired driver, call 911.