SBPD to patrol for impaired drivers

ST. PADDY'S DAY

This St. Patrick’s Day, the Seal Beach Police Department will be on alert for suspected impaired drivers and reminds the community to celebrate responsibly by not driving under the influence.

Additional officers will be on patrol March 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on March 18 looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Leave your keys at home and plan ahead before you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” Chief Michael Henderson said. “Designate a sober driver, schedule a ride share or make other plans to get home safely if you plan to consume alcohol.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra- tion (NHTSA), St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest times on the nation’s roads.

The international celebration is often recognized by adults as a time for gatherings at bars and pubs.

In 2020, more than 11,000 people in the U.S. died in drunkdriving crashes.

On average, one person was killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020.

Chief Henderson wants to caution the community that alcohol is not the only substance that can cause impairment.

Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair.

Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability, he said.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

—from the Seal Beach Police Department