Montgomery County Issues Warning Against Impaired Driving Ahead of Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, with Increased Enforcement Planned – Mocofeed

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) and the County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) are reminding holiday travelers who choose to celebrate with alcohol to plan ahead for a safe ride home ahead of Independence Day, which lands on a Saturday this year.  

Marked by celebrations and increased travel, the holiday weekend often comes with a surge in traffic crashes caused by excessive speed, impairment, and distracted driving. The National Safety Council estimates that 410 people may die on the roads during the Independence Day holiday weekend, traditionally one of the deadliest stretches of the year.   

“We know many people will be celebrating Independence Day throughout the three-day weekend,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “If you are planning to drink alcohol as part of your celebration, I urge you to arrange for a safe ride home. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving ability and lead to life-altering consequences. We want everyone to enjoy the celebrations this year, but our priority is to make sure everyone gets home safely. As a reminder, all Ride On buses are zero-fare, and there are plenty of options for travel other than driving yourself. There is no excuse for driving while impaired.”  

Maryland drivers found guilty of driving under the influence can lose their licenses, face hefty fines, and risk jail time.  

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“While we want everyone to enjoy Independence Day, the priority should always be to make sure that you get home safely,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada. “If your plans include alcohol, please make a plan for how you’re getting home before you go out. Use a designated driver, call a rideshare or sober ride, or take advantage of the public transportation options available. Making that decision ahead of time can prevent a tragedy.”   

MCDOT strongly advises celebrants to make arrangements ahead of time for safe transportation to and from events. The County’s Vision Zero effort to prevent death and injury on Montgomery County roadways offers a listing of local safe rides on its website. 

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To aid this effort, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s SoberRide®, in partnership with Lyft, will offer a limited number of codes for $15 off a Lyft ride from 4 p.m. Saturday, July 4, until 4 a.m. Sunday, July 5. The first 1,500 passengers who enter a promo code that will be posted here on Saturday, July 4 at 3 p.m. will receive free rides up to $15. Users must be 21 or older and are responsible for any costs above $15. The service is valid in Lyft’s Washington, D.C. coverage area.

To request a SoberRide:  

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1. Go to SoberRide.com.
2. During an active campaign time, the website will list the promo code.
3. Open the Lyft App on your smartphone.
4. Tap the menu icon in the top left corner.
5. Tap ‘Rewards’ in the menu that appears.
6. Tap ‘Enter promo code’ to add the SoberRide® code from the website (remember to check spelling).
7. Tap ‘Apply’ to finish.  

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.      

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