Oceanside CA— St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions across the country, often culminating in parties where drinking is involved. Sadly, this leads to tragedies on our roadways because of drivers who choose to leave parties impaired.
This St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), The Oceanside Police Department will have additional officers on patrol from throughout the night ready to stop and arrest 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 Oceanside 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,” Oceanside Police Department Sergeant Rick Davis said. “If you feel the slightest hint of a buzz, you should not be driving.”
The Oceanside 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,” Oceanside Police Department Sgt. Davis 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.

-Encinitas-

Deputies from the North Coastal Sheriff’s Station will conduct a Driving Under the Influence/Driver License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location in Encinitas, on Friday, March 15, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2019.
The checkpoint will consist of D.U.I and Drug Recognition Expert (D.R.E) trained deputies who will be evaluating drivers’ abilities to safely operate motor vehicles if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
As part of the checkpoint, all drivers passing through the checkpoint will be checked to make sure that they have a valid driver’s license.
A grant from the Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be used to fund this checkpoint. The Office of Traffic Safety and local law enforcement urge drivers to “Report Drunk Drivers. Call 9-1-1.”