Motorists who intend to imbibe wine, spirits, green beer and other beverages in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day should not chance their luck drinking and driving, Riverside County sheriff’s officials said Wednesday.
The sheriff’s department is slated to deploy deputies for saturation patrols and other traffic duties on March 17 as part of a countywide effort to catch drivers who take their St. Patty’s celebrations too far and hit the roads while impaired.
“Have a plan before you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” according to an agency statement. “Designate a sober driver or make other plans to get home safely.”
According to sheriff’s officials, during last year’s St. Patrick’s Day period, nearly half of the traffic deaths throughout the county were attributable to drunk driving.
Nationally, in 2020, there were 327 fatal alcohol-related wrecks during the Irish-inspired festivities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The California Office of Traffic Safety is providing additional funding to support extra and overtime patrols on St. Patrick’s Day.
“The sheriff’s department wants to warn the community that alcohol is not the only substance that can cause impairment,” the agency stated. “Cannabis, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and illegal drugs can all lead to a DUI.”
Municipal police departments countywide, as well as the California Highway Patrol, are also expected to step up traffic enforcement on March 17.