Driver safety remains the Howard County Police Department's top priority this Memorial Day weekend as officers begin increasing patrols to enforce traffic safety and watch for drunk driving.
Police are reminding drivers to stay safe over the three-day weekend and designate a sober driver before drinking alcohol, especially those attending graduation parties.
An increase in collisions is often reported over the holiday weekend, spokeswoman Sherry Llewellyn said. According to a 2014 study by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 377 people in the U.S. died in crashes during Memorial Day weekend.
In an effort to maintain roadway and driver safety, Llewellyn said police will patrol areas throughout the county as well as high schools during and after students' arrival and departure. While drivers are also asked to buckle their seat belts, increased patrols are expected to reduce speeding, distracted driving and aggressive driving.