Patrols beefed up for St. Patrick’s Day crackdown

The California Highway Patrol and municipal law enforcement agencies throughout Riverside County will be cracking down on motorists who decide to try their luck driving under the influence before,
during and after Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day parties.

“Don’t let a day of celebration turn into a day of tragedy,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “If you drive impaired, you risk your life and the lives of others on the road. Plan ahead before the party begins by designating a sober driver or making arrangements for a taxi or ride-hailing
service.”

The CHP reported three people were killed and 66 injured in DUIaccidents statewide during St. Patrick’s Day 2017. On roads and highways under the agency’s jurisdiction, officers arrested 148 people on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, officials said.

CHP offices in Beaumont, Blythe, Indio, Riverside and Temecula will join other local law enforcement agencies in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving” campaign on Saturday.

The Riverside Police Department, along with the sheriff’s Jurupa Valley station, plan to step up patrols to nab suspected DUI offenders. Law enforcement officials offered the following safety tips for
partygoers and hosts:

— designate a sober driver if you plan to imbibe at a St. Patrick’s Day event or anywhere else;

— consider using a taxi, or other pay-to-go ride service, such as Lyft, Curb or Uber, instead of driving after drinking; and

— rather than let a friend leave a party under the influence, help arrange a ride home for the person.

Officials further noted that consuming any quantity of alcohol with prescription drugs can induce impairment, so the two shouldn’t be mixed.