On St. Patrick's Day 2010, there were 26 drunk driving accidents in Pennsylvania, which resulted in multiple injuries and one fatality. This year, to ensure that there are no such tragedies on what is normally a fun, festive holiday, police agencies are increasing their presence on Pennsylvania roads with several measured aimed at deterring drunk drivers.

Because St. Patrick's Day falls on a Thursday, there will likely be celebrations continuing through the following weekend. Therefore, several Pennsylvania police agencies have announced stepped up DUI enforcement plans for the holiday weekend. In Chester County and the festively-named Limerick Township, for example, police officials have announced that there will be roving DUI patrols throughout the area from St. Patrick's Day, March 17, through the following Sunday, March 20.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has distributed federal funds to several agencies throughout the state so they can add patrols and set up similar increased enforcement. However, TEAM DUI Southeast PA, which is made up of officials from local police agencies, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania DUI Association, is encouraging those who go out to celebrate the holiday to drink their (green) beer responsibly.

The Irish and the Irish-for-a-day should be sure to make a plan for a safe ride home before donning their green attire and going out for the night. For example, choose a designated sober driver, or make sure to have taxi service or public transportation information on hand. Watch out for friends and fellow partiers, and don't hesitate to contact police for help with a potential drunk driver.

Source: Patch, "Police stepping up DUI patrols this weekend", 11 March 2011