DUI Checkpoints In And Around Sherman Oaks For St. Patrick's Day Weekend

LOS ANGELES, CA - Authorities warned Angelenos that officers will be out in force looking for people driving under the influence or otherwise committing traffic violations during St. Patrick's Day

"St. Patrick's Day has become one of the nation's favorite holidays to celebrate and party," The Los Angeles Police Department said. "Unfortunately, too many people are taking to the roads after drinking, making the holiday one of our most dangerous."

Over the St. Patrick's Day weekend, the LAPD will deploy additional officers at DUI/driver's license checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment.

The LAPD and the California Office of Traffic Safety are teaming up to remind revelers, "Don't drive impaired by drugs or alcohol."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 252 people lost their lives in drunk driving-related crashes during the St. Patrick's Day holiday period from 2011-2015 nationwide. More than a quarter of those people died in drunk-driving crashes that occurred in the early morning, post-party hours.

"These needless deaths can be prevented," Los Angeles police Sgt. Sean Karmody said. "Planning a sober ride home before the party begins is the first step in staying safe on St. Patrick's Day. Don't wait until you've already been drinking to make your transportation decision. Designate your sober driver in advance, and never get behind the wheel if you've been drinking."

Karmody urged people to use a designated driver or other safe methods to get home if they are planning to drink. Also, authorities publicized the "Designated Driver VIP" -- or DDVIP -- free mobile app for use with Android or iPhone.

The app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver -- from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The app also has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Authorities urged people to call 911 immediately if they see a dangerous driver.

Over the St. Patrick's Day weekend, the LAPD will deploy additional officers at DUI/Driver License Checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment.

In addition, all local municipal police departments, county sheriff departments and the California Highway Patrol will be on heightened alert ready to stop and arrest any impaired driver throughout the long weekend.

The following are the planned enforcement details by the LAPD:

Friday, March 17, 2017
DUI Saturation Patrol in Mission Area from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M
DUI/Driver License Checkpoint from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M. on Hyperion Avenue at Scotland Street
DUI/Driver License Checkpoint from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M. on Figueroa Street at 9th Street
DUI/Driver License Checkpoint from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M. on Hollywood Boulevard Avenue at Gower Street

Saturday, March 18, 2017
DUI/Driver License Checkpoint from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M. on Roscoe Boulevard at Gloria Avenue
DUI/Driver License Checkpoint from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M. on Van Nuys Boulevard at Remick Avenue

Funding for extra patrols is provided in part by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

-- Photo via Shutterstock