Montgomery County police to conduct saturation patrols all St. Patrick's Day weekend

Montgomery County police will be conducting saturation patrols across the jurisdiction this weekend, in an attempt to deter and catch drunk drivers. Almost 50% of traffic-related deaths on St. Patrick's Day weekend historically have been caused by people driving while intoxicated, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Deployment of the full Alcohol Initiatives Unit, and overtime pay for the extra officers on the streets this weekend, are being partially-funded by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. Joining County officers on patrol this weekend will be cruisers from the Maryland State Police - Rockville Barrack N, the Maryland Transportation Authority police, the County’s Sheriff’s Department, and the Maryland-National Capital Park police.

“If you plan to drink, do not drive,” Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones said in a statement. “Our officers will be conducting saturation patrols throughout the County and arresting intoxicated drivers. The tragedy that occurs when people get behind the wheel intoxicated is 100 percent preventable.”

County officials are urging those who plan to drink, and do not already have a plan to safely return home, to utilize the SoberRide program. The free ride-home program is offered through the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) in partnership with Lyft. Promotional codes for Lyft will be posted online at 11:00 AM on Sunday, March 17, on SoberRide.com. The codes are valid for up to $15-off on one ride home taken in Lyft’s Washington, D.C., coverage area from noon on Sunday, March 17, until midnight on Monday, March 18. The number of codes is limited, and participants must be 21 or older. Officials also suggest using the County's Ride On bus service.

“There are ample ride services that will get you home safety,” County Department of Transportation Director Chris Conklin said. “If you are choosing to celebrate with alcohol this St. Patrick’s Day, plan out your ride home ahead of time to keep our shared roadways safe for everyone.”

New traffic signal activated on Watkins Mill Road in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County's newest traffic signal is now in operation on Watkins Mill Road in Gaithersburg. It's been a bit dangerous at the intersection of Watkins Mill and Spectrum Boulevard for several months, as the increased traffic from the new I-270 interchange has been governed by a four-way stop there. Now the signal is activated, and providing additional safety for pedestrians as well as drivers.

Fatal pedestrian collision in Gaithersburg

A pedestrian has died, four days after he was allegedly struck by a vehicle in Gaithersburg. Douglas Ariel Perez Martinez passed away Tuesday in an unspecified local hospital, Montgomery County police said Wednesday. Martinez was struck by a 2012 Mercedes Benz C300 while trying to cross MD 355 at North Westland Drive around 9:19 PM Friday. Police did not specify whether Martinez was in a crosswalk or not.

Public hearing set for proposed Damascus sidewalk

Montgomery County is proposing to construct a sidewalk along the west side of Oak Drive, and along the east side of MD 27 (Ridge Road) between its north intersection with Oak and Bethesda Church Road, in Damascus. The sidewalk would provide a continuous pedestrian connection between the Damascus Recreation Center and Bethesda Church Road.

Map of Oak Drive segment

A public hearing on the proposed sidewalk has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 7:00 PM in the all-purpose room/cafeteria of Damascus ES at 10201 Bethesda Church Road. The feedback received will determine whether or not the proposed sidewalk is constructed.

Map of MD 27 segment