Baltimore County Police: Be Safe Labor Day Weekend

The following message was sent to Patch by the Baltimore County Police Department on Aug. 30: 

"This holiday weekend, many people will be on the road as they try to squeeze in that one last trip, cookout or family get-together to wrap up the end of summer. For some, those Labor Day plans include alcohol. Anyone who believes that drinking and/or distracted driving is the smart way to celebrate the weekend might want to think again.

 "According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009 9,813 fatal crashes were directly attributed to alcohol impaired driving. Also in 2009, there were 4,196 fatal crashes due to distracted drivers behind the wheel. The victims were driving cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The victims were also passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

"Baltimore County Police and other law enforcement agencies around the nation are committed to stopping these crimes. Drivers can expect to see strict enforcement of driving laws that include not only DUI and DWI, but aggressive driving as well.

"Anyone driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher is considered legally drunk and will be arrested. Remember too that a driver may have a BAC level lower than .08, and yet he or she may be incapable of driving. Driving “buzzed” is dangerously misleading as the driver’s reaction time is impaired. It is considered Driving Under the Influence and punishable by a fine and even arrest. There could be other consequences associated with the crime depending on the court.

"Think before you get behind the wheel. Texting and drunk driving is a lethal cocktail.

"If you know you will be drinking alcohol, arrange for a designated driver. You’ll save your life and the lives of others."