The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced that it will have additional deputies on patrol on St. Patrick’s Day from 4 to 10 p.m. in Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, and Wildomar.
Deputies will be actively looking for motorists suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Increased patrols aim to prevent accidents and ensure a safe holiday for all. The department is urging drivers to prioritize safety and avoid driving under the influence.
In 2022 alone, there were 74 drunk-driving fatalities during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). More than 13,500 preventable deaths throughout 2022 involved drunk driving, representing 32% of all traffic fatalities in the United States that year.
“Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day responsibly is about protecting not just yourself but everyone on the road,” Deputy Kevin Keyser said. “Let’s work together to make this holiday memorable for all the right reasons. Make a plan for a safe ride home.”
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
