Montgomery County Prepares for Thanksgiving DUI Crackdown

As Thanksgiving approaches, Montgomery County officials are intensifying efforts to combat impaired driving. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), in collaboration with the County’s Police Department and Alcohol Beverage Services, has announced enhanced enforcement measures aimed at preventing drunk driving incidents, particularly on the night before the holiday, which is notorious for increased alcohol consumption.

MCDOT Director Chris Conklin highlighted the importance of safe travel plans, urging those who plan to drink to avoid driving. “We expect to see a record number of drivers on the road this year, and that, along with the early evening darkness and an increase in alcohol consumption, can lead to deadly consequences,” Conklin said, according to the county’s news release. He encouraged residents to utilize the zero-fare Ride On buses as a safe transportation option.

Holiday Task Force Deploys for Safety

In addition to MCDOT’s initiatives, the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is launching a “Holiday Task Force” to monitor impaired driving. This operation will implement sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, beginning on November 19, 2023, and continuing through January 10, 2026. MCPD Chief Marc Yamada emphasized the critical nature of the task force, stating, “Our Holiday Task Force will be out in full force to identify and stop impaired drivers, because these collisions are entirely preventable.”

Last year, the Holiday Task Force’s efforts resulted in the arrest of 238 drivers and the issuance of 2,773 citations. This data underscores the need for vigilant enforcement during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Community Collaboration for Safer Celebrations

The Montgomery County Department of Alcohol Beverage Services is also taking proactive steps to promote safe drinking practices. Director Kathie Durbin noted that licensed establishments are trained to prevent overserving and to identify signs of intoxication in patrons. This combined approach unites regulatory bodies and local businesses to create a safer environment for all during the holiday season.

Residents seeking alternative transportation options can visit the County’s Vision Zero website, which provides resources for safe rides home. For further information about Montgomery County’s traffic safety initiatives, individuals are encouraged to explore the official MCDOT website and follow their social media channels on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram.

As Thanksgiving nears, Montgomery County’s comprehensive measures aim to ensure the safety of all travelers and reduce the risk of impaired driving during this festive period.