The Turlock Police Department is telling people “don’t depend on dumb luck, designate a sober driver before the party begins” this St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Day is a popular night out to socialize with friends, family and coworkers. However, with so many local establishments promoting alcohol sales or special promotional events, far too many drunk drivers head out onto streets, making it dangerous for all.
As a counter measure to all the ‘green beer’ on sale St. Patty’s Day, the Avoid the 12 DUI Task Force will deploy additional DUI Roving Saturation Patrols into the cities of Turlock, Modesto, Oakdale, and Ceres March 17th, 18th, and 19th, in our ongoing campaign to take careless, dangerous drunk or “buzzed” drivers off the road before they crash.
“Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or attending a house party, if you plan on drinking, never drive while impaired; and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired. Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk,” said Sergeant Neil Cervenka.
According to Turlock Police, the extra Avoid DUI Saturation patrols will be supplementing regularly scheduled shift deployments planned for Thursday. The specialized DUI Officers will be focusing in areas with high incidents of DUI collisions and arrests.
Turlock Police Department recommends the following easy steps, for a safe St. Patrick’s Day.
– Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
– Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home
– If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely
– If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to Call 911
-And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
“Driving buzzed or drunk is simply not worth the risk,” said Sgt Cervenka. “Don’t depend on dumb luck this St. Patrick’s Day. Give up your keys – designate your sober driver before the party begins.”
The Avoid the 12 DUI Campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The coalition’s next DUI Campaigns are set for Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day Weekend.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.
