PIKESVILLE, MD (July 2, 2025) – As Marylanders prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MVA) Highway Safety Office today joined Maryland State Police (MSP) at the Maryland State Police Forensics Sciences Division to remind all roadway users to plan ahead for a sober ride. The Maryland State Police noted that troopers at all 23 barracks statewide and the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team will be out in force to take impaired drivers off the road. Thanks to additional transportation resources provided in Governor Wes Moore’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the Maryland Department of Transportation is investing in projects and policy reforms that will improve the safety and reliability of our network, spur economic growth and ensure our transportation system is in a state of good repair. These efforts, as well as the MVA’s Highway Safety Office’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan and other initiatives, complement the Serious About Safety program, a department-wide focus to drive the Maryland Department of Transportation's safety goals and save lives. “Impaired driving crashes are entirely preventable,” said Chrissy Nizer, Motor Vehicle Administrator and Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “Every time someone chooses to drive under the influence, they put their life and the lives of others in jeopardy. As we approach the Fourth of July holiday weekend, I urge all Marylanders to make a plan for a sober ride. Whether it’s using a rideshare service, public transportation, or designating a sober driver, there is always a safer choice than getting behind the wheel impaired.” Formed in 2013, the SPIDRE team is a specially trained unit of troopers who patrol areas with high rates of impaired driving crashes, particularly in the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan regions. Since its inception, the team has removed nearly 5,000 impaired drivers from Maryland roads and issued more than 36,000 citations. SPIDRE troopers also train fellow law enforcement officers and partner with local departments across the state to expand impaired driving enforcement. "Driving impaired is a poor decision that leads to injuries and fatalities on our highways," said Lieutenant Colonel Daniel C. Pickett, Chief of the Maryland State Police Field Operations Bureau. “Troopers from all 23 barracks, along with the SPIDRE DUI Team and allied law enforcement agencies will work together to conduct high visibility enforcement and DUI saturation patrols throughout the state this holiday weekend to remove dangerous drivers from our roadways to ensure motorists make it to their destination safely.” Administrator Nizer and Lt. Colonel Pickett were joined at today’s event by Trooper Ashleigh Deems, who recounted her experience being struck by an impaired driver while conducting a traffic stop along I-695 in March. MSP’s Forensic Sciences Division also offered an inside look at how the Division supports DUI investigations. During a demonstration, Chief Toxicologist Dr. Haley Mulder explained how various disciplines—ranging from crime scene analysis and latent print examination to toxicology—work together to investigate crashes, including those suspected of impaired driving. The demonstration emphasized the complexity, cost and care behind each case, as well as the broader consequences of impaired driving. Over the past five years in Maryland, nearly 800 people have been killed and almost 15,000 injured in crashes involving impaired drivers. This year alone, between January and May, the SPIDRE team along with state and local law enforcement agencies have arrested more than 167 impaired drivers in Maryland. Impaired driving is 100% preventable, yet it continues to claim lives and devastate families. In addition to the risk of serious injury or death, those caught driving under the influence face severe legal consequences—including arrest, legal costs and fines and jail time. In 2024, Maryland closed a significant loophole in “Noah’s Law” requiring all impaired driving offenders, including those placed on probation, to have an ignition interlock requirement system installed in their vehicle and to participate in the Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program. While the SPIDRE team and allied law enforcement partners will monitor roads for impaired drivers this holiday weekend, officials also warn pedestrians of the potential impact of impairment. Analysis of pedestrian fatalities has revealed an increasing number of pedestrians struck by vehicles have alcohol or drugs in their system at the time of the crash. In addition to avoiding impairment, pedestrians are reminded of the following rules of the road: - Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks whenever possible.
- Press the pedestrian signal button and wait for the walk signal.
- Always stop at the curb and look left, right and left before crossing a street.
- Watch for cars turning in or leaving driveways.
- Wear light or bright colored clothing, especially if out walking after dusk.
- Pay attention and take off headphones while walking – no texting or playing games.
- Walk, don't run across the street.
As law enforcement steps up efforts to prevent impaired driving this Fourth of July weekend, the MVA and MSP urge all Marylanders to make safe, smart choices—for themselves, their loved ones and everyone on the road. Learn more about the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD. ###
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