Check Point StrikeForce ramped up for Super Bowl Sunday

Friday, Feb. 5, 2010

Troopers will be out in full force this Super Bowl Sunday, patrolling and holding sobriety checkpoints.

Maryland State Police Barrack "U" troopers will be conducting dedicated saturation patrols Sunday, according to a press release from the Calvert County Traffic Safety Council. These patrols are in support of Maryland's "CheckPoint StrikeForce" campaign, which directs public awareness and increased saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints when the number of drunk driving crashes is likely to increase.

The barrack works with the National Football League, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and other state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials to remind people to designate a sober driver if they plan to be consuming alcohol and driving on Super Bowl Sunday.

"We want to pass along our message to everyone that will be hosting or attending Super Bowl parties this weekend," said Lt. Randy Stephens, commander of Maryland State Police Barrack "U" in Prince Frederick, in the release. "If you are hosting, please ensure that your guests have already designated a sober driver to give them a ride home; if you are attending a party, and plan on drinking – know your limits and plan ahead on how you will be getting back home. Calvert County has had drunk driving arrests, injuries and fatal crashes following previous Super Bowl games. The increased presence of law enforcement officers, along with the message to designate a sober driver, should promote good decision-making by those motorists on our roadways."

State police troopers and deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff's Office will be working overtime patrols, the release said, which will be funded by the Maryland State Highway Administration's Highway Safety Office.

Anyone who sees a car that appears to be operated by a drunk drivers should call 911 or #77.