RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - 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 our roadways because of drivers who choose to leave parties impaired.

This St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 17, the Rancho Cordova Police Department (RCPD) will proactively increase patrols and add additional officers to identify and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers to continue improving traffic safety in the City of Rancho Cordova.

According to data from the California Highway Patrol, one person was killed and 48 others were injured in driving under the influence (DUI) crashes on St. Patrick’s Day in 2018. In 2017, 59 people were killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday from March 16 to March 18, accounting for 37 percent of all traffic deaths.

YOU can make our community safer. If you plan to drink, don’t drive. Period. Plan your safe ride home beforehand. RCPD also wants to remind everyone that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and result in a DUI.

Funding for additional patrol this weekend was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.