This St. Patrick’s Day don’t push your luck by driving under the influence. The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be on alert for suspected impaired drivers and reminds the community to celebrate responsibly by not driving under the influence.
CMPD will have additional officers on patrol tomorrow, Friday, March 17, looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.
“Leave your car keys at home and plan ahead before you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” Traffic Safety Bureau Lt. Stephanie Selinske said. “Designate a sober driver, schedule a ride share or make other plans to get home safely if you plan to consume alcohol.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest times on our nation’s roads. In 2020, more than 11,000 people in the U.S. died in drunk-driving crashes.
CMPD wants to warn the community that alcohol is not the only substance that can cause impairment. Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.
Funding for additional patrols is provided to CMPD by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the NHTSA.
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Contact:
Stephanie Selinske, Traffic Safety Bureau Lieutenant
Costa Mesa Police Department
714.754.5293
