VA State Police Target Drunk Drivers St. Patrick's Day Weekend

VIRGINIA — Virginia State Police urge drivers to designate a sober driver if they plan to drink this St. Patrick's Day weekend, or risk arrest as extra officers will be out on highways watching for impaired drivers.

Drunk driving is not only deadly, it can also be costly. If caught drinking and driving, you can face jail time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates and lost wages, the VSP said.

In 2023, there were 124 crashes involving alcohol in Virginia the week of Saint Patrick’s Day, and six fatalities. Another 66 people were injured that week, the agency said.

“St. Patrick’s Day can be a fun time to have a pint but, remember, getting behind the wheel when intoxicated is no way to celebrate,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “Driving drunk is a choice — a choice with deadly consequences for you, your passengers and every other motorist sharing the road with you. Never drive drunk or under the influence of drugs.”

If you’re going to party, state police have these suggestions:

• Ensure you have a designated sober driver, a plan to use public transportation or a rideshare service before drinking begins.
• Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Be honest with yourself and know that even if you only plan on having one drink, you should plan on having a designated driver.
• Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly. Being under the influence can cause a lack of attention to surroundings and put pedestrians at risk of being hit by a vehicle.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, pull over safely and dial #77 on a cell phone or call 911.
• If you know someone who has been drinking and is about to drive, take the keys and make arrangements to get them home safely.
• If you are driving, keep an eye out for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users on the roadways.

To further prevent traffic deaths and injuries during St. Patrick’s Day, as well as during the traditional spring break season, the Virginia State Police will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., the Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort. The state-sponsored, national program puts more officers on Virginia highways from 12:01 a.m., March 9 through midnight on March 17.