MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20230316-018
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Be a Saint on St. Patrick’s Day. Plan Ahead and Celebrate Responsibly with a Designated Sober Driver
San Mateo, CA - This St. Patrick’s Day don’t push your luck by letting drunk drive. The San Mateo Police Department will be on alert for suspected impaired drivers and reminds the community to celebrate responsibly by not driving under the influence.
Additional officers will be on patrol March 17 from 6 p.m. to time 2 a.m. looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“Leave your keys at home and plan ahead before you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” San Mateo Police Department Sgt. Craig Collom 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.
The San Mateo Police Department, Sgt. Craig Collom 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 this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
MEDIA CONTACT
Alison Gilmore
Public Information Officer | Support Services
City of San Mateo Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7626 | [email protected]
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