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Effectiveness of Maryland’s DUI Roadblock Plan Disputed

March 13, 2008 By webmaster Leave a Comment

In a letter to the editor published in Southern Maryland Online, a representative from the American Beverage Institute cites studies that show that roving patrols are far more effective in arresting drunk drivers than organized, visible roadblocks.

It is a reasonable assumption that roadblocks are not a particularly effective use of the limited enforcement resources of the police department. Big, showy roadblocks may make people believe that they are helping reduce drunk driving more than standard, quality police work, and now the evidence supports that belief.

The question is, does stopping and questioning people randomly to check for signs of intoxication make more sense that actually trying to identify people who appear to be driving dangerously or erratically?

And evidence shows the answer is that these efforts don’t make sense, and are an inefficient use of police resources in enhancing public safety.

Anyone who has ever driven on a highway any night of the week can tell you that there is no shortage of people who are driving unsafely or too quickly. You could pull over every third car for exceeding the speed limit. And, though more time consuming then simply stopping ever car at a checkpoint, at least those individuals would be actually suspected of doing something wrong.

It is always helpful when individuals and groups come together to honestly and objectively assess the best ways to prevent drunk driving. Too often, the neo-prohibitionist groups like MADD are the only voice in the discussion.
By the way, the American Beverage Institute is an industry group that represents bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, and is an important voice in fighting drunk drivers at the source.

Filed Under: dui, dwi Tagged With: DUI

Surprising Maryland Criminal Offenses

March 12, 2008 By webmaster 1 Comment

You can be charged with a crime in Maryland if you purchase more than 2 packs of cigarettes from out of state and transport them home, as a Maryland resident, according to this report.

Cigarettes are much cheaper in Virginia and North Carolina, due to the fact that the average tax is $2 per pack here, while it is only about $1.20 in Virginia. So even if you literally walk across the border, and bring back 3 packs of cigarettes, you are a criminal.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Maryland rejects special license plates for multiple DUI offenders

March 12, 2008 By webmaster Leave a Comment

Maryland lawmakers rejected a proposed bill to mandate special license plates for drivers with multiple DUI / Drunk driving convictions. The proposed legislation would have required that a person with 3 or more drunk driving, /DWI or impaired driving charges get a special license plate with the letters DUI on it, and pay an additional $500 fee for the special tags.

MARYLAND 1980 ---MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLE plateThe legislators rejected this “scarlet letter” approach, citing no evidence that these shaming techniques result in reduced offenses or increased safety for the public. Even MADD did not think it was a worthwhile idea, so it is probably safe to assume they are right!

It is unfortunate that these crazy ideas pop up all too frequently from perhaps well-meaning, yet misguided politicians and political coalitions looking to “DO SOMETHING” about the issue of drunk driving.

When reason and sanity prevail, we’ll take the win and move on!

Filed Under: dui, license

DUI Roadblock Checkpoints Announced in Talbot County

March 8, 2008 By webmaster 1 Comment

Police in Talbot County Maryland announced they are setting up DUI roadblocks this weekend. The locations are undisclosed, but the fact that roadblocks will be in affect is designed to deter drunk drivers. It is also a requirement for the DUI roadblock to be legal that they be announced in advance, to make them constitutional under Maryland law.

Filed Under: dui, dwi

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