If you’re driving on the Lower Eastern Shore or anywhere else in Maryland over the Christmas weekend be advised the Maryland State Police are increasing highway patrols.

State troopers from all 23 barracks will focus on impaired, aggressive and distracted driving while conducting saturation patrols on roads with high DUI incidents.

The initiative includes partnering with allied law enforcement and other state agencies to both enforce the law and offer outreach to the community through social media and electronic billboards.

Specific attention in the tri-county area includes:

• Somerset County: The Princess Anne Barrack will focus its DUI enforcement efforts primarily on US Route 13 and Maryland Route 413;
• Worcester County: The Berlin Barrack will conduct DUI saturation patrols throughout the weekend; and
• Wicomico County: Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack will focus on criminal and traffic enforcement on main arteries and hot spots where most crashes and DUI’s have occurred within Wicomico County.

Enforcement is bolstered by funds from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office.

The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, a specialized unit of trained troopers who are focused on identifying impaired drivers, will also work this weekend. SPIDRE is funded by a grant from MDOT MVA Highway Safety Office and aims to reduce alcohol-related injuries and fatalities in Maryland.

A MSP spokesperson noted, “Police urge motorists to plan for a safe drive by avoiding impaired, aggressive and distracted driving. Adhere to Maryland’s Move Over laws, which require motorists to safely make a lane change or slow down when approaching a vehicle displaying warning signals.”