Troopers Patrolling On St. Patrick’s Day

The State Highway Patrol is asking drivers to stay sober behind the wheel this Saint Patrick’s Day.

Between 2009 and 2013, 276 deaths were reported nationwide in drunk driving crashes on the holiday. Lieutenant Matt Boyd said Troopers will be watching out for signs that impaired drivers are on the road Thursday night and will be more vigilant about violations.

"We’ll stop people for any violation to check and make sure that they’re not impaired," said Boyd. "If they’re not impaired we’ll either take action on the violation if we feel necessary or send them on their way. Our goal is to change driving behavior for the better to ensure crashes aren’t occurring."

If you are planning to drink, Boyd said to call a cab or a friend for a safe ride at the end of the night. He also encourages designated drivers to step up in order to ensure friends and family have options that don’t include getting behind the wheel under the influence.

"Last year there over 14,000 alcohol related crashes," said Boyd. "395 people died in such crashes and those are tragic events that no one expects to be involved in but occur all to often."

If you’re caught operating a vehicle while intoxicated you could face fines, license suspension, or even jail time.