Burbank Police Department officials will increase patrols during St. Patrick’s Day weekend to ensure the safety of citizens.
“If you plan to have a few cheers for St. Patrick’s Day, don’t rely on luck to get you home safely. Remember to plan ahead and have a designated, sober driver take you home,” said Sgt. Brent Fekety, BPD spokesperson.
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations contribute to one of the biggest drinking nights of the year, which makes it all the more important to have someone who has not been drinking get you home safely, according to Fekety.
To help keep the public safe, the Burbank Police Department will have extra police officers on patrol this St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, between the hours of 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Officers will be looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.
“If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a sober driver, or use a ride-share service or public transportation to get around. If you’re hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic beverages, monitor those who drink alcohol, and help make arrangements to get people home safely,” Fekety said.
Funding for St. Patrick’s Day DUI enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
BPD encourages those who suspect drivers of operating a vehicle under the influence to call 911.
First published in the March 11 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
