CHP: St. Patrick's Day Among Deadliest Holidays For DUI

CALIFORNIA — The California Highway Patrol asks drivers to ensure they have a designated driver if they plan on drinking on St. Patrick's Day, typically one of the deadliest holidays of the year for drunk driving.

Last St. Patrick's Day seven people died and 116 were injured in crashes involving intoxicated drivers, CHP said in a news release. Officers arrested 219 people on suspicion of driving under the influence.

This year, however, Gov. Gavin Newsom has called on bars, brewpubs, wineries and clubs to shut their doors. CHP's Dublin office said it's unclear how this move could impact the number of suspected DUI drivers out on the road, but officers will still be looking for intoxicated motorists.

CHP called on the public to rely on ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft, or a sober friend if they plan on getting intoxicated.

Car repairs, court costs and lawyer fees, lost work hours and insurance rate increases can total $15,000 for DUI drivers in California, CHP said.

Anyone who thinks they see an intoxicated driver is asked to call 911 with the car's description and location.