Police Looking For Impaired Drivers This St. Patrick's Day

TORRANCE, CA — Torrance Police Department will begin patrols on St. Patrick's Day Wednesday from 3 p.m. to midnight, warning drivers not to get behind the wheel while impaired.

"If you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, remember to do so responsibly by having a plan to get home safely," said Torrance Police Lt. Cody Charley, Traffic and Special Events Division Commander, in a statement Wednesday.

Officers will be looking for people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"If drinking is part of your plans, plan on designating a sober driver and find a safe way home,” Torrance Police Sgt. David Koenig said. "Don’t make poor choices and allow yourself to mix alcohol or drugs with driving."

On St. Patrick’s Day 2019 in California, seven people were killed, and 116 others were injured in crashes caused by driving under the influence.

Driving under the influence can put yourself and others on the road at risk and it also hurts financially; attorneys’ fees, fines, court costs, insurance rate hikes and car repairs can reach $15,000 or more in California, police said.

“It’s simple: don’t drink and drive,” Koenig said. “Stay at home or find a sober driver to take you home.”

California’s public health guidance also advises to limit mixing with people you don’t live with as much as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, officials said.

"Although many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will be held virtually this year, it’s important to designate a sober driver or stay at home for the night," police said.

If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road then call 911.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, officials said.