St. Patrick's Day DUI Patrols Scheduled In Garden Grove

GARDEN GROVE, CA — Garden Grove police will be out in force Sunday, March 17, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. Monday, the Garden Grove Police Department will deploy additional officers on patrol to stop and arrest drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. If you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day, plan ahead and use a designated sober driver, ride-share, or public transportation.

“Don’t even put yourself in a position where you need to ask whether you are okay to drive,” Garden Grove Police Department Chief Todd Elgin said. “If you feel the slightest hint of a buzz, you should not be driving.”

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), one person was killed and 48 others were injured in DUI crashes on St. Patrick’s Day 2018. In 2017, 59 people were killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, accounting for 37 percent of all traffic deaths.

The Garden Grove Police Department also wants to remind everyone that a “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

“We all know the dangers about driving impaired,” Garden Grove Police Department Chief Todd Elgin said. “Let’s all be responsible adults and help each other get where we need to go safely.”

Funding for the St. Patrick’s Day DUI enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.