Law enforcement vigilant, encourage designated drivers for those celebrating.

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The CHP would like to remind all St. Patrick’s Day revelers
to bring along a designated driver when out celebrating tonight.

For those drivers without their lucid lephrechauns available
to take the wheel, the CHP will be out in force looking for and arresting
anyone under the influence and behind the wheel.

“We want people to enjoy themselves and have a good time,
but safety on the roadway is everyone’s responsibility,” said CHP Commissioner
Joe Farrow. “If you are going to be drinking, make sure you have a designated
driver who will not be consuming alcohol to get you home safely.”

The number of people killed in alcohol-involved collisions
statewide in California has risen
from 1,233 in 2000 to 1,489 in 2007. On St. Patrick’s Day last year, 50 people
were injured in 110 alcohol-involved collisions statewide.

Motorists on the road who see suspected drunk drivers are
asked to call 911 so law enforcement can intervene and remove an intoxicated
driver from the roadway before they injure or kill someone. Callers should be
prepared to provide dispatchers a description of the vehicle, its location and
direction of travel.