Expect More Police On Md. Roadways This 4th Of July Weekend

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- This Fourth of July weekend, expect to see a lot more police out on Maryland roadways.

State police will be out in droves to enforce safe and responsible driving on this notoriously deadly holiday on the road.

"Nearly 600 people have lost their lives on the nation's roadways on July 4 in the last five years, and impaired driving continues to be a factor in too many of these crashes," officials said.

Once again, the Maryland Department of Transportation has teamed up with state police to get drunk drivers off the road through its SPIDRE initiative.

While the team will be busy cracking down, it's also calling on the public to do their part.

"It took a village to raise a child. I'm telling you it take a community to stop DUI," said police.

The transportation authority is always cracking down, especially as hundreds head to the beach this weekend -- even putting up a little rhyme to help drivers remember.

AAA Mid-Atlantic is predicting record-breaking travel. The agency's advice is to plan ahead.

"Check your engine fluid, tire tread, pressure, wiper blades," a AAA spokesperson said.

According to state police, over the past five years, on average, 170 people have died as a result of drunk driving.