FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (JUNE 25, 2008)
Talbot County Increases Saturation Patrols to Reduce Impaired Driving
Following recommendations from the Talbot County Council’s Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) on ways to reduce high local rates of substance abuse, community agencies are working on a number of strategies. One is to increase the frequency of saturation patrols in Talbot County to reduce impaired driving. According to the National Study Center at the University of MD, nearly 40 percent of the fatal crashes in Talbot County between 2002 and 2006 involved an impaired driver.
The Talbot Family Network has recently provided extra funds to the Maryland State Police, the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office and the Easton Police Department to increase saturation patrols throughout Talbot County. Saturation patrols require at least two patrol vehicles to work during the same time period in the same area. To date, the Maryland State Police has conducted four saturation patrols. Troopers have issued over 90 citations and warnings during these patrols, including three for driving under the influence (DUI) and two for drug possession.
According to Lt. Jerry Jones of the Maryland State Police, “The additional funding has allowed us to increase our patrols and our visibility on Talbot County roadways. These saturation patrols enable us to identify impaired drivers and remove them from the roadways before they become involved in collisions that often result in serious injury or death. Increasing the public’s awareness of saturation patrols helps discourage those who have been consuming alcohol from getting behind the wheel.”
To receive a copy of the strategies included in the Blue Ribbon Commission Report, call Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Copies of the Blue Ribbon Commission Report may also be downloaded from our website.
