DUI Checkpoints, Increased Patrols: St. Patrick's Weekend

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – If your weekend plans include celebrating St. Patrick's Day, your Irish eyes won't be smiling if you attempt to drive while under the influence.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office is increasing patrols, looking for impaired motorists, beginning Sunday at 6 p.m. and running through the next morning.

And ahead of St. Patrick's Day, DUI checkpoints are planned Friday in Encinitas and Santee, officials said.

"The Sheriff's Department has a zero-tolerance policy on impaired driving," said Sheriff Bill Gore. "If you drink, have a designated driver ready or use a ride-sharing service. BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING."

The state's California Highway Patrol reports that one person was killed and 48 others injured in DUI-related crashes on St. Patrick's Day in 2018. In San Diego County that year, five motorists were arrested on suspicion of impaired driving, which was down from the 12 arrests on St. Patrick's Day in 2017.

Here are two sober-ride options for St. Patrick's Day:

• • MTS (Bus and Trolley): http://www.sdmts.com
• • NCTD (Bus and Coaster/Sprinter): http://www.gonctd.com

Funding for the St. Patrick's Day DUI enforcement program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• ALSO SEE: St. Patrick's Day Parades, Fests: San Diego County 2019 Guide