PIKESVILLE, Md. — Maryland State Police will increase enforcement efforts to combat impaired, aggressive, and distracted driving during the July 4th holiday weekend, from July 4 to July 6, 2025. Troopers from all 23 barracks across the state will conduct high-visibility patrols, supported by the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, a specialized unit trained to identify impaired drivers.
The initiatives aim to reduce dangerous driving behaviors and prevent injuries and fatalities. Enforcement will include partnerships with allied law enforcement and state agencies, alongside community outreach through social media. Funding for the increased patrols comes from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office, with the SPIDRE team supported by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office.
In the Eastern Region, troopers from the Berlin, Centreville, Easton, Princess Anne, and Salisbury barracks will focus on U.S. Routes 13, 50, 90, 301, and Maryland Route 413. Central Region patrols, covering College Park, Forestville, Golden Ring, Rockville, Waterloo, and Westminster barracks, will target Interstates 495, 270, 695, and Maryland Routes 185, 97, and 193. Western Region troopers from Cumberland, Frederick, Hagerstown, and McHenry will patrol U.S. Routes 220, 40, and 65, and Interstates 8, 68, and 70. Northern Region efforts, led by Bel Air, JFK Memorial Highway, and North East barracks, will concentrate on U.S. Route 40 and areas with high impaired driving crash rates. Southern Region troopers from Annapolis, Glen Burnie, La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick will cover U.S. Route 50, Maryland Route 295, and Interstate 97.
Maryland State Police urge drivers to designate a sober driver and hand over car keys before attending July 4th events. They advise avoiding alcohol if planning to drive, using public transportation, taxis, or ride-share services, and preventing impaired friends from driving. Motorists should report suspected impaired drivers to police, always wear seat belts, and avoid texting or using non-hands-free cellphones while driving.
Hosts of July 4th gatherings are reminded to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages, ensure sober drivers or alternative transportation options are available, and keep local taxi contact information handy. They should take keys from anyone intending to drive impaired, as hosts may face liability for alcohol-related crashes involving guests they served.
“Drink or drive—this 4th of July, you can’t do both. Make a smart move: plan a sober ride,” Maryland State Police stated.
The enforcement aligns with Maryland’s broader safety goals, as the state averaged 169 fatalities and 2,998 injuries annually from impaired driving crashes between 2017 and 2021, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office. The SPIDRE team, operational since 2013, has made over 4,300 DUI arrests, targeting high-crash areas to enhance road safety. Drivers can check real-time traffic conditions on the Maryland Department of Transportation’s website https://roads.maryland.gov/ to plan safer travel routes during the holiday weekend.
