The Sheriff's Office will participate in a national effort to step up enforcement of the Driving While Intoxicated laws during the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Holiday period (March 8th to March 17th).

    Additional deputies working under the Select Traffic Enforcement Program will be searching for impaired drivers throughout that period.  The Sheriff's Office is reminding drivers not to get behind the wheel if they've been drinking.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports over 700 people were killed nationwide in crashes involving a drunk driver during the St. Patrick's Day holidays from 2006 to 2010. 

     Whether you're gathering with friends at the local bar or attending a large party, if alcohol is part of the festivities, make sure you designate a sober driver to get you home safely, or make other transportation arrangements.

     To prevent alcohol-related driving tragedies from occurring, the following steps are recommended in order that everyone can have a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day:

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.

If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely.

If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.

If you know people who are about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

     The primary goal of the Sheriff's Office in undertaking these enhanced enforcement efforts is safety.  The Sheriff's Office hopes everyone has a fun but safe St. Patrick's Day holiday.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff