DUI Checkpoints, Patrols On Tap For St. Patrick's Day
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Several sobriety checkpoints and DUI patrols are expected this St. Patrick's Day weekend and authorities want to remind revelers to use a designated sober driver.
Anaheim police Sgt. Bob Dunn says the department has joined the "The Avoid the 26" Orange County DUI Campaign, deploying additional officers on overtime this weekend.
"Police, sheriff and CHP officers will have a 'zero tolerance' response toward impaired drivers who fail to use a designated sober driver," Dunn said.
In Los Angeles, police will stage several sobriety checkpoints and have scheduled DUI patrols in an effort to reduce the number of people killed or injured in alcohol or drug related accidents.
"Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local pub or visiting your favorite Irish pub, if you plan on using alcohol, never drive while impaired -- and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired.
"Buzz driving is drunk driving," said Los Angeles police Lt. Ron Katona of the Traffic Coordination Section.
Meantime, police urge the public to report suspected drunk drivers by calling 911.
(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
