Police Out In Full Force To Prevent Pedestrian Accidents, Catch Impaired Drivers On Halloween
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A statewide warning as police were on high alert Saturday -- on the lookout for drunk drivers.
Thousands of kids and adults were out celebrating Halloween Saturday and Marcus Washington has more on how police wanted to make sure people were safe.
They are dressed in costumes that make you smile or those that frighten yo.
But police say they were out in full force keeping a watchful eye on what they call the biggest fear -- drunk drivers.
"We saturate the area with uniform patrol and look for any drivers that aren't operating the vehicle safely, serving inconsistent signaling, basically not driving in a proper manner," said Officer Tim Hughes, with Baltimore Police.
DWI checkpoints were part of the plan on roads throughout the state.
"With Halloween falling on a Saturday, it does give an opportunity for more people to go out and celebrate it," said Sgt. Mark Black, with the Maryland State Police. "We don't want to discourage anyone from celebrating Halloween, we encourage you to have a good time, but encourage you to do it smartly."
Within the past decade, on average, more than 170 people were killed by impaired drivers in Maryland.
Out of the impaired-caused crashed, 35 percent of those accident resulting in injuries or death were caused by male drivers in their 20s.
"Before you have that first drink, designate a driver, make sure you have a sober way to get home," Sgt. Black said.
"Well we cross with the kids and we all look both ways and make sure no one is coming that will cause a problem," said parent Aaron Parker.
Many parents say Halloween night is about fun and they are happy police are out in full force to make sure they are safe.
"You never know. There could be somebody drinking and driving," said resident Brandy. "There is a lot of chaos, but as long as we're together it keeps us safe."
Operation Drive Sober has representatives out thanking people for making the decision not to drink and driver and offer help to those who are impaired to get home safely.