Sobriety Checkpoint Held At Bay Bridge

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at the William Preston Lane Jr Memorial (Bay) Bridge. This is in an effort to educate the public and prevent alcohol related crashes.

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

"Through relentless DUI enforcement the MDTA Police together with our Maryland law enforcement partners have managed to reduce alcohol related fatalities below the national average," said MDTA Police Chief Marcus Brown. "Despite Maryland's success, the 152 alcohol related fatalities during 2008 is 152 too many."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 11,773 people died in alcohol impaired driving crashes in 2008. These deaths represent one third of all traffic fatalities nationwide.