Sonoma County law enforcement ramps up DUI patrols for St. Patrick’s Day

Traffic enforcement officers will be out in abundance this weekend keeping watch on California roadways to ensure that no St. Patrick’s Day revelers put themselves or others at risk.

The statewide effort will be redoubled in Sonoma County, where Santa Rosa police will join the CHP in deploying extra DUI patrols to be on the lookout for drunk, buzzed or otherwise impaired drivers.

“In recent years, California has seen an increase in drug-impaired driving crashes,” Santa Rosa police said in a news release, referencing a new slogan adopted by the California Office of Traffic Safety: ”DUI doesn’t just mean booze.”

“If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI,” police said.

The recent legalization of recreational marijuana use adds an extra dimension to the issue, as well.

The CHP reminded partiers to plan ahead, by designating a sober driver or finding alternative means of getting from place to place.

The popular St. Patrick’s Day holiday last year left three people dead and 66 injured statewide as a result of crashes in which drivers were under the influence of something, the CHP said. Another 148 motorists were arrested for driving while impaired.

Sonoma County sheriff’s deputies will also keep their eyes and ears open for signs of impaired driving.

“I can guarantee there will be an extra emphasis,” Sgt. Spencer Crum said.

You can reach Staff Writer Mary Callahan at 707-521-5249 or mary.callahan@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MaryCallahanB.