St. Patrick's Day DUI Patrols Scheduled In Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, CA —St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated by millions across the country, often involves parties, drinking of green beer and Irish whiskey, and sadly, tragedies on our roadways because of drivers who choose to leave parties impaired.

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend (March 16th and 17th), the Newport Beach Police Department will have additional officers on patrol in an effort to stop drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

According to data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), 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 roads, the Newport Beach Police Department encourages everyone to plan ahead and use a designated sober driver, ride-share or public transportation.

Even one drink can be one too many.

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

The Newport Beach 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,” Newport Beach Police Department Lieutenant Cartwright said. “Let’s all be responsible adults and help each other get where we need to go safely.”

Funding for 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.