Holiday task force makes 189 DUI arrests in Montgomery County
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - Law enforcement officials in Montgomery County are stepping up patrol on New Year’s Eve to combat drinking and driving.
For the past six weeks, a holiday task force targeting impaired driving has resulted in 189 arrests.
Assistant Chief David McBain with the Montgomery County Police Dept. said there were 111 arrests as of this time last year.
"It’s kind of a double-edged number. In one respect, I’m extremely happy with the work our officers are doing but in another respect, we have a lot of people out there that are not taking our recommendations," Asst. Chief McBain said.
Free Lyft trips on NYE available through SoberRide program
This New Year’s Eve, one D.C.-area nonprofit wants everybody to know: If you need it, they’ve got you covered with a free ride home. As FOX 5’s Josh Rosenthal explains live in Northwest – it’s part of an effort to get drunk drivers off the roads.
The task force, which includes officers from Montgomery County and other departments in the region, will call in additional units to patrol New Year’s Eve.
"Tonight is a time for celebration but please be responsible and safe. I want to encourage everyone out celebrating to plan ahead by not combining driving with drinking or using cannabis," Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said. "Every year in Maryland, more than 10,000 people are arrested for driving under the influence. Over the past five years, crashes involving impaired driver have tragically claimed the lives of 800 people in our state. The consequences of a DUI are serious, including jail time and significant fines, license points, mandatory ignition lock and license suspension. Even for first time offenses."
Metro is staying open an additional two hours on New Year’s Eve with free rides after 2 a.m. to offer an additional form of transportation.