On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone feels a little Irish, and for many that means a party. With St. Patrick’s Day taking place and further festivities continuing through the weekend, it’s expected that even higher than normal levels of intoxicated drivers will be on Colorado roads. Police know this, and they are ready to watch for those whom they believe are guilty of a DUI.
We all hear stories about wild St. Patty’s antics. Some people partake in a couple extra green beers and a little extra corned beef and cabbage, even when it’s something they normally wouldn’t do. And if people aren’t careful, they can find themselves facing a DUI or being involved in an accident.
Some of those accidents can be serious like the one that killed one 23-year-old veteran of Iraq back in 2007, the last time St. Patrick’s Day fell on a Saturday. Since then Colorado patrols have increased St. Patrick’s Day DUI arrests by 48%.
Even when nothing tragic happens, a DUI can be costly. The average price tag sits at about $10,000. This year, police know St. Patty’s will be more than a one day celebration, and they are planning 114 law enforcement agency on the roads Friday through Monday keeping their eyes peeled for potential drunk drivers.
The best bet, of course, would be to not drink and drive on the holiday. Designate a driver or hold yourself to one green beer and let plenty of time pass before hitting the road. Celebrate safely, and plan ahead so someone responsible can get you home. Just because it’s St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t mean you should try your luck. But when bad luck strikes, an experienced DUI defense attorney can be helpful in turning that around.
Source
9news.com: “Police on ‘saturation patrol’ looking for drunk drivers,” Meagan Fitzgerald, Mar. 15, 2012