Full Notification

Folsom Police Department will be conducting increased patrols and enforcement for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
 
During the increased patrol and enforcement period, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs when they conduct traffic stops.
 
The Folsom Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe.
 
“We understand people are looking for a reason to celebrate, and we want our community members to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, but we also want to impress upon everyone the importance of safe driving,” said Sergeant Eric Baade. “If you’ve been drinking, make the right choice to find a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”
 
Driving under the influence is a matter of life and death. Nationally, during the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18), almost half (46%) of crash fatalities involved a drunk driver. In fact, from 2015 to 2019, a total of 280 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day period.
 
Folsom Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
 
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home or designate a sober driver to make sure you arrive safely.
 
Plan a Sober Ride
Before ever heading out, it’s vital to plan ahead. Be honest with yourself: You know whether you’ll be drinking or not. Follow these ideas to ensure you and your fellow partygoers live to be Irish another day.

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact Folsom Police Department at 916-355-7231.
• Do you have a friend who has been drinking and is about to drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.