If You Drink and Drive, You Could Go to Jail

The Loma Linda and Grand Terrace police departments warn motorists they will need more than the luck of the Irish to avoid patrols Thursday.

Both departments plan to conduct DUI saturation patrols throughout the day, watching for drivers who drink and then decide to take a chance and get behind the wheel.

A saturation patrol involves putting extra units on the streets during peak celebration hours

St. Patrick’s Day is just one of several celebrations during which police departments mobilize. It’s not an observed holiday, but they are “drinking holidays” that include the Super Bowl and Cinco de Mayo.

"Obviously drunk drivers are a danger," San Bernardino County Sgt. Dave Phelps said last month during a phone interview. The Sheriff’s department provides police services for Loma Linda and Grand Terrace. "When they get in their car, what they are essentially doing is wielding a 4,000-pound bullet."

The extra patrols will be out from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. The goal is to reduce the number of persons killed and/or injured in alcohol related crashes.

DUI saturation patrols are conducted to identify suspected drunk drivers, determine if they are intoxicated and get them off the roads, police officials said.

“All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers.,” Sheriff’s officials said through a news release. “The DUI saturation patrol is an effort to reduce those tragedies. “

All vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested, officials said.

The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.

The Automobile Club of Southern California offers the following tips:

• Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking; be sure to use a designated sober driver.
• If you have been drinking, call a cab or have a sober friend or relative drive you home.
• If you cannot find a safe ride home, stay where you are until you are completely sober.
• If you are hosting a party, make sure your guests do not drive impaired.
• When driving, be sure to watch your speed. Motorists should slow down as they drive through neighborhood areas, preferably five miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.