Local law enforcement officers will be increasing patrols this weekend for the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
The Goleta Police Department will have additional officers on patrol over the weekend.
Officers will specifically be looking for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The department will also hold a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint within city limits on Friday from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.
The CHP says one person was killed and 48 others were injured in DUI crashes on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018.
In 2017, 59 people were killed nationwide in drunk driving crashes over the holiday weekend.
“Don’t even put yourself in a position where you need to ask whether you are okay to drive”, said John Maxwell, Sergeant of the Goleta Traffic Unit. “If you feel the slightest hint of a buzz, you should not be driving.”
Driving under the influence applies to alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, marijuana, and anything else that might impair your ability to drive.
“We all know the dangers of driving impaired,” Sergeant Maxwell said. “Let’s all be responsible adults and help each other get where we need to go safely.”
