LAKE COUNTY – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) knows Californians plan to celebrate that sure harbinger of spring – St. Patrick’s Day.

The CHP is reminding all revelers to make sure they have a sober designated driver to make their trip home a safe one.

For those drivers who do not heed this advice, the CHP will be out in force looking for and arresting anyone under the influence and behind the wheel.

“We want people to enjoy themselves and have a good time, but safety on the roadways is everyone’s responsibility” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “If you are going to be drinking, make sure

you have a designated driver who will not be consuming alcohol to get you home safely.”

The number of people killed in alcohol-involved collisions statewide in California has risen from 1,233 in 2000 to 1,489 in 2007. On St. Patrick’s Day last year, 50 people were injured in 110 alcohol-involved collisions statewide.

“Every CHP officer and local law enforcement will be looking for impaired drivers on St. Patrick’s day, and every other day too. This is about saving lives,” said Commissioner Farrow.

The CHP also reminds motorists to report suspected drunk drivers by calling 911 so law enforcement can intervene and remove an intoxicated driver from the roadway before they injure or kill someone. Callers should be prepared to provide dispatchers a description of the vehicle, its location and direction of travel.

The CHP will continue to emphasize DUI enforcement and education efforts, especially around holiday celebration times such as St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day and Halloween.

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