Napa Police To Crack Down St. Patrick's Day On DUI Drivers

NAPA, CA — The Napa Police Department announced in a news release that additional officers will be on patrol St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17, ready to stop and arrest drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

"St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions across the country, often culminating in parties where drinking is involved," said Napa PD Traffic Sgt. Kristofer Jenny in announcing the St. Paddy's Day DUI saturation patrol. "Sadly, this leads to tragedies on our roadways because of drivers who choose to leave parties impaired."

According to data from the California Highway Patrol, one person was killed and 48 others were injured in DUI crashes on St. Patrick’s Day last year. In 2017, 59 people were killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday — March 16-March 18 — accounting for 37 percent of all traffic deaths.

"Due to St. Patrick’s Day becoming a dangerous holiday on our road, the Napa County DUI Prevention Coalition encourages the use of designated drivers, local cab companies or Curb, Uber or Lyft services," Jenny said.

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

Funding for Napa PD's 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