If you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, remember to do so responsibly by having a plan to get home safely.

This St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), the Culver City Police Department will have additional officers on patrol from 4 p.m. to 11p.m., looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

"If drinking is part of your plans this St. Patrick’s Day, plan on designating a sober driver or finding another safe way home," Acting Police Chief Cid said. "Don’t make a poor choice and allow yourself to mix alcohol or drugs with driving."

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

Driving under the influence puts you and others on the road at risk for physical harm. Additionally, there’s financial risk; getting arrested for DUI or being involved in a DUI collision incurs costs associated with attorneys’ fees, fines, court costs, insurance rate hikes and car repairs. These costs frequently add up to more than $15,000 in California.

California’s public health guidance advises everyone to limit mixing with people who they don’t live with as much as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. 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.

If you ever see a suspected drunk driver on the road, 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.