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DUI Patrols On Tap For St. Patrick's Day

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Officers across Southern California are expected to be out in full force this St. Patrick's Day.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department said in a written statement that the "Avoid the 38" DUI Task Force will be deploying saturation patrols and checkpoints on Monday in areas throughout the region.

"When you celebrate St. Patrick's Day, just be smart about it," Sgt. Yvonne Shull of the Sheriff's Department Traffic Bureau said in the statement.

"If you know you're going to drink, whether with friends at a pub or attending a party, designate a sober driver ahead of time or call a taxi to make sure you get home safely," the sergeant said.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens also recommended the following:

• Plan a way to safely get home before the night begins;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;
• If impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely;
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1;
• If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

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