DUI Crackdown Announced For St. Patrick's Day In Rohnert Park

ROHNERT PARK, CA — The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety will be on alert this St. Patrick's Day for suspected impaired drivers and reminded the community to celebrate the holiday responsibly.

Additional officers will be on patrol from 8 p.m. Thursday until 3 a.m. Friday, March 17-18, looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, the Rohnert Park DPS announced.

“Have a game plan before you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” Rohnert Park DPS Sgt. David Sutter said. “Designate a sober driver or make other plans to get home safely.”

During the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period — the most recent prior to the coronavirus pandemic — nearly half of all traffic deaths throughout the United States involved a drunk driver.

Sgt. Sutter warned the community that alcohol is not the only substance that can cause impairment. Cannabis, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and illegal drugs can all lead to a DUI.

"If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road, call 911," Sutter said.

Funding for the additional DUI patrol Thursday is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.