Gilroy Police Remind Drivers Of St. Paddy's Day Crackdown

GILROY, CA — The Gilroy Police Department is warning residents to celebrate St. Patrick's Day responsibly on Wednesday.

"We understand that people are looking for a reason to celebrate, and we want our community members to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day, but we also want to impress upon everyone the importance of safe driving," said Gilroy Police Sgt. Mike McMahon. "If you've been drinking, make the right choice to find a sober driver to get you, and your friends, home safely."

The California Highway Patrol cautions drivers that alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to an arrest for driving under the influence. Cannabis, prescription medications, and illegal drugs can all lead to impaired driving, arrest, jail time, fines, loss of driving privileges — or worse.

Statewide, the CHP made 67 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol on St.Patrick's Day 2020. Data from the CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show alcohol- or drug-related crashes injured 31 people on the green holiday, according to the agency.
Nationwide, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported that 327 fatal alcohol-related crashes occurred on St. Patrick's Day 2020.

Driving under the influence is a year-round problem that often gets worse on certain holidays where drink is part of the celebration. Drunken driving accounts for nearly one-third of vehicle-related deaths in the United States, NHTSA data show.

"Think of your safety and that of others before deciding whether it is safe for you to drive," Office of Traffic Safety Director Barbara Rooney said. "We urge all drivers to make getting home safely part of your celebratory plans."

The public can help keep California roadways safe by calling 9-1-1 if they suspect an impaired driver. Callers should be prepared to give the vehicle's description, location, license plate number, and direction of travel, the CHP said.

Toni McAllister contributed to this report.