COSTA MESA, Calif. (March 17, 2026) – This St. Patrick’s Day, Costa Mesa Police Department reminds everyone that the best way to celebrate the holiday is to plan ahead for a safe, sober way to get home. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,355 people were killed in alcohol-impaired traffic crashes in California in 2023.
“We want people to make St. Patrick’s Day memorable for all the right reasons,” said Sgt. Nick Wilson. “Before you raise a glass, make sure you’ve planned for a safe ride home, whether that’s a designated sober driver, rideshare, taxi or public transportation.”
Additional officers will be on patrol today, March 17, looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Plan for a Safe Celebration
Before heading out for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, follow these tips to stay safe:
- Designate a Sober Driver: Choose someone ahead of time who will stay alcohol-free and make sure everyone gets home safely.
- Use Ridesharing Services, Taxis or Public Transportation: Rideshare apps and transit options are safe alternatives to driving if you've been drinking.
- Host Responsibly: If you’re hosting, offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options and make sure your guests have safe, sober rides home.
- Look Out for Others: Don’t let friends or family members drive impaired. Take their keys and help arrange a safe ride.
- Never Drive Impaired or Distracted: It’s not worth the risk – your life and others’ lives depend on it!
Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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Media Contact:
Nick Wilson, Traffic Safety Bureau Sergeant
Costa Mesa Police Department
714.754.4963
