Information provided by the Hollister Police Department.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions across the country, often culminating in parties where drinking is involved. Sadly, this leads to tragedies on roadways because of drivers who choose to leave parties impaired.
This St. Patrick’s Day (Sunday, March 17), the Hollister Police Department are expected to hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within city limits from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., according to a recent release.
According to data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), one person was killed and 48 others were injured in DUI crashes on St. Patrick’s Day last year. In 2017, 59 people were killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday (March 16 to March 18), accounting for 37 percent of all traffic deaths.
In the release, the Hollister Police Department encouraged everyone to plan ahead and use a designated sober driver, ride-share or public transportation. Police also stated that a “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis can all cause impairment, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.
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, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.’