St. Patrick's Day DUI Patrol Planned In Petaluma, Police Say

PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Police Department plans to conduct "high-visibility patrols" this St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17, according to a news release. Officers will be "ready to stop and arrest drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs," the news release states. "Officers will be diligently monitoring vehicle traffic looking for indicators of impaired driving."

With St. Patrick’s Day becoming a dangerous holiday on our roads, Petaluma PD said, everyone is encouraged to plan ahead and use a designated sober driver, ride-share or public transportation. Even one drink can be one too many, police said.

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 16-18 — accounting for 37 percent of all traffic deaths.

"Don’t even put yourself in a position where you need to ask whether you are OK to drive," said Petaluma PD Special Operations Lt. Brian Miller. "If you feel the slightest hint of a buzz, you should not be driving."

Petaluma PD also reminded 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," Miller said. "Let's all be responsible adults and help each other get where we need to go safely."