As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, officials with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are set to increase the number of officers they have on patrol to look for those who choose to drive under the influence.

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the “biggest drinking nights of the year,” making it more important for those planning to drink to designate a sober driver for the evening, according to LASD officials.

“If you need to ask yourself whether you are okay to drive, the answer is probably no,” said LASD Sergeant Robert Hill. “We want people to have fun, but also be responsible. Part of that responsibility is arranging a safe way to get home.”

In 2018 alone, a total of 73 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, which LASD officials consider to be between 6 p.m. on March 16 and 5:59 a.m. on March 18.

In 2019, seven arrests were made in the Santa Clarita Valley over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend for driving under the influence.

In an effort to keep the public safe, LASD officials are set to have extra officers on patrol on St. Patrick’s Day between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m. The extra officers are set to be on the lookout for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“If you plan to have a few cheers for St. Patrick’s Day, remember to plan ahead and have a designated sober driver take you home,” reads an official statement from the LASD issued Friday. “If you plan on drinking, designate a sober driver, take a ride-share or use public transportation to get around.”

LASD officials also encourage residents who see drunk drivers to call 9-1-1.

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