The California Highway Patrol reminds people to not press their luck this St. Patrick’s day and rely on a sober ride home.
St. Patrick's day is one of the biggest drinking nights per year, where more risky drunk drivers are on the roads.
Last year on St. Patrick’s Day, CHP officers made 211 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). That same day, three people died, and 76 people were injured statewide as a result of DUI crashes.
“If you plan on drinking alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day, do not rely on luck and designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, public transit, or a taxi to ensure you reach your destination safely,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Not having a plan in place if your celebration includes the use of alcohol can result in a crash, jail time, injuries, or even death.”
In California, a DUI can cause more than $15,000 in losses due to attorney fees, court costs, lost work time, insurance rates, and repairs, making the financial burden just as impactful as the mental and physical issues that can stem from an incident on the road.
Highway officials say you should always buckle up, designate a sober driver and avoid distractions while driving to stay safe. The CHP joins with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding motorists that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”
To help keep the roads safe, the CHP encourages the public to report impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1. Be prepared to provide the public safety dispatcher with a description of the vehicle, location, and the direction the vehicle is traveling.
