SRPD: How to Stay Safe on St. Patrick's Day in Contra Costa County

SAN RAMON, CA- San Ramon Police Department wants to remind residents that although St. Patrick’s Day is a great way to celebrate the Irish roots of 34.2 million Americans with Irish ancestry. However, they say March 17 has become one of the nation’s deadliest holidays.

“From 2010 to 2014, almost three-fourths of the drunk-driving fatalities during this holiday period involved drivers who had blood-alcohol levels well above the .08 limit, with 266 drunk-driving fatalities total nationwide,” SRPD said in a press release.

To help lower deaths and injuries, San Ramon Police Department, in conjunction with Contra Costa County’s Avoid the 25, will be deploying extra officers on overtime targeting problem areas with high numbers of DUI collisions and DUI arrests.

These DUI patrols along with routine nightly patrols will be looking for the tell-tale signs of impaired driving to include weaving, crossing the center line, etc.

They will also be keeping an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to drink.

“Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention could put you at risk of getting hit by a vehicle,” they said.

“So whether you’ve indulged a little or a lot, law enforcements wants to remind everyone to drink and drive is a crime —you put yourself at risk, as well as others. The consequences are often fatal,” says SRPD.

In order to make 2016 a safe year, the department has put together this party-planning checklist:

• Designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely.
• Find the name of a taxi company (or two), and keep their numbers in your phone
• Download the California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched in 20014, the DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life saving role. They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.