Extra Patrols on the Lookout For Drunk Drivers on St. Patrick's Day

If you're planning to attend a Saint Patrick's Day party this weekend, make sure you arrange alternate transportation in advance. That way, you won't have to worry about getting into a vehicle with someone who may be under the influence.

Law enforcement agencies across several states will be increasing patrols to keep an eye out for drunk drivers as part of a statewide campaign called Avoid the 21.

San Bernardino County

On St. Patrick's Day in San Bernardino County, thousands are expected to celebrate and law enforcement agencies are bracing for a crackdown on drunk drivers.

This week, the sheriff's office will be adding extra officers to its patrol force - including on Sunday night when they'll conduct a sweep across the county in search of impaired drivers. These teams will consist of both sworn and non-sworn personnel, according to a news release.

At a Thursday news briefing, SDPD traffic-unit Officer Mark McCullough revealed the use of new "Drager 5000" machines to test saliva for seven non-alcoholic intoxicants. These will be utilized during screening operations like DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols, according to an announcement from Mark McCullough on behalf of SDPD Traffic-Unit Operations.

Police will also be reminding partygoers to have a designated driver, taxi or ride-sharing service available. Furthermore, they're reminding them that cannabis, prescription drugs and other substances can impair one's ability to drive safely.

According to the sheriff's department, more than half of all fatal crashes on St. Patrick's Day involve a drunk driver. Furthermore, those arrested for driving under the influence face fines, jail time and higher insurance rates as a result of their conviction.

In 2015, California Highway Patrol officers arrested 920 drivers within 72 hours on suspicion of DUI and 27 people died on state roads. This year, Craft's office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are joining forces to increase DUI enforcement over the holiday weekend.

Sheriff's deputies in San Marcos will operate an overnight DUI checkpoint near Broadway and Lemon Grove Avenue, while Chula Vista police will be stationed somewhere within the city from 6 p.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday, according to a statement released by police.

El Cajon police department will be on the lookout for impaired drivers during a series of "DUI saturation patrols" in areas that have seen an uptick in DUI collisions and arrests over recent years, officials announced. Specially trained officers will assess motorists suspected of drug-impaired driving.

Fresno County

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one person dies in America every 45 minutes due to drunk driving. Fresno police want this number reduced and are placing extra patrol officers on alert for impaired drivers.

Recently, Fresno County Sheriff's Office has made great strides toward solving these issues. To combat DUIs and improve public safety, they implemented a DUI unit where officers are trained to arrest those suspected of being under the influence. The aim is not only to reduce fatal accidents but also improve public safety overall.

Fresno has been facing more than just alcohol-related problems lately. Lieutenant Harrison notes that there are many people on probation who aren't receiving enough support to stay off the streets.

Fresno has had this problem for some time, and she believes it's essential to get these individuals off the streets and into treatment. These individuals have caused harm to themselves and others, so assistance must be provided.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Department offers various programs to aid those facing mental health challenges. For instance, they provide counseling and rehab services as well as having a drug court and mental health court available.

If you are struggling with any of the issues listed above, it's essential that you seek help immediately. Doing so will help protect against future criminal behaviors.

To take advantage of these services, you must create an account with Fresno County Department of Social Services and complete it online.

Once registered, you can check on your cash, employment status, food and medical assistance benefits. Furthermore, updating your information allows for account updates.

Fresno is home to several ethnic neighborhoods, as well as being the largest county without direct access to Interstate highways. Little Armenia, German Town and Chinatown are particularly popular areas in Fresno; these neighborhoods boast shops, restaurants and bars that make them stand out from other parts of town. If you're seeking something different than what's offered in more commercialized areas of town, these ethnic neighborhoods should definitely be visited!

Whatcom County

St. Patrick's Day is upon us and, as we toast to the green beer, bangers n' mash, and friendly pinches with family and friends, let us remember that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. With that in mind, the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office will be increasing patrols on the lookout for drunk drivers. Troopers urge those celebrating to designate a sober driver or use taxi or ride services to get home safely - as drinking and driving have been linked to many fatal crashes in our community. For further information regarding this holiday, contact the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office at (360) 768-3501; thank you all for helping make this St. Patrick's Day as safe as possible!