As one of the country’s most popular holidays, St. Patrick’s Day has long celebrated the roots of over 34 million Americans with Irish ancestry, and many more who just want to partake in the festivities.  This year, if you’ll be drinking alcohol, remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Tragically, March 17 has become one of the nation’s deadliest holidays. To help lower deaths and injuries caused by impaired drivers, the Sacramento Police Department will be deploying extra officers targeting areas with high numbers of DUI collisions and DUI arrests during the St Patrick’s Day weekend.  These patrols will be looking for the tell-tale signs of impaired driving to include weaving, crossing the center line, etc.
Remember to keep an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention could put you at risk of getting hit by a vehicle. So, whether you’ve indulged a little or a lot, law enforcement wants to remind everyone that driving impaired on alcohol or drugs is a crime; you put yourself at risk, as well as others. The consequences are often fatal.

Use this party-planning checklist to stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day.

• PARTY PREPARATION:  Designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely, or preplan to use a ride service such as UBER, LYFT, or a local taxi company.  Download the California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app available for free download on iOS and Android devices. This app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life-saving role.  They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen. 

• ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY:  Before you take your first sip of green beer, leave your keys at home or give them to a friend. Ensure your designated driver has committed to a sober evening. If you’re the designated driver, do not drink. Your friends are relying on you, as are the people with whom you share the road. Enjoy non-alcoholic beverages and tweet your VIP (very important partygoer) status online using the #designateddriver.

Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.  Remember, driving after drinking or impaired by drugs should never be an option.

 
The Sacramento Police Departments holiday enforcement campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Please direct any inquiries to Sergeant Chris Prince via email at cprince@pd.cityofsacramento.org or by telephone at (916) 808-6069. Media is encouraged to spread awareness about the impacts of drinking and driving.