FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 31, 2018

Contact: Lt. Kevin Ayd,

410-537-7724 or kayd@mdta.maryland.gov

MDTA POLICE TO CONDUCT SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT FRIDAY NIGHT AT HATEM BRIDGE

BALTIMORE, MD - To educate the public and to prevent alcohol-related crashes, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint Friday night, Feb. 2, at the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) toll plaza in Perryville.

"The MDTA Police will continue to conduct sobriety checkpoints and high-visibility enforcement to increase awareness about the importance of not driving while impaired," said MDTA Police Chief Colonel Jerry Jones.

During the checkpoint, the MDTA Police will distribute information about laws and penalties for driving while intoxicated or while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Motorists caught driving while impaired will be arrested and prosecuted.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2016, 10,497 fatalities in motor-vehicle crashes involved drunk drivers.

The MDTA Police supports the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Highway Safety Office (MHSO) Toward Zero Deaths campaign - a partnership to save lives and prevent injuries on Maryland roadways. For more information, visit towardzerodeathsmd.com.