Police Warn Motorists of Stepped Up Enforcement for St. Patrick’s Day
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (March 17, 2023) — Drunk or drugged motorists should avoid driving on St. Patrick’s Day or risk being caught by police as law enforcement cracks down in the Golden State.
Authorities are warning California drivers celebrating St. Patrick’s Day that it’s no fun sobering up behind bars. Those drivers who get behind the wheel also risk hefty fines and other costs. Police aim to send a message to would-be drunk drivers that this won’t be tolerated. This year the holiday begins on a Friday, making it particularly dangerous and more likely to extend through the weekend. There will be checkpoints conducted by the California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
The Los Angeles Police Department suggests party-goers who plan to get high or drunk, leave their keys at a home, designate a sober driver or schedule a taxi or another ride home in advance.
St. Patrick’s Day Drunk Driving Awareness
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest days to be driving throughout the United States.
Statistics from the NHTSA show that from 2016 to 2020 there were 287 deaths from drunk driving over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Also, just in 2020, some 36% of fatal crashes involved a drunk driver on the holiday.
The LAPD adds that drivers should also avoid marijuana and prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs if they plan to get behind the wheel.
Additionally, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has asked business licensees to do their part by making sure our roads are safe by not overserving patrons. As part of the increased efforts today and over the weekend, ABC agents will be out monitoring these drinking establishments.
Together ABC and the California Office of Traffic Safety want to share that the high number of drunk driving crashes on and around St. Patrick’s Day every year are avoidable.
Have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Johnson Attorneys Group has been helping obtain justice for victims of traffic accidents for nearly two decades. If you have legal questions or concerns, please contact us at 1-800-235-6801. Johnson Attorneys Group is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Source: NHTSA, California Office of Traffic Safety, CHP
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