Full Notification

Don't press your luck this St. Patrick's Day by drinking and getting behind the wheel of a car.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department will be out in full force in the coming days looking for impaired drivers.

Watch for increased DUI patrols by deputies across the county on Tuesday, March 17th and Tuesday, March 31st starting at 7:00 p.m. and lasting through 3:00 a.m. the following day.

There will also be two DUI checkpoints in the following cities later this month:

• Friday, March 20th - San Marcos
• Saturday, March 28th - Vista

St. Patrick's Day has become a dangerous time because of people who decide to drink and drive.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 300 people have been killed in drunk-driving crashes between 2009 and 2013 across the United States.

"When you celebrate St. Patrick's Day, be responsible," said Sheriff Bill Gore. "If you drink, designate a sober driver or call a taxi to take you home. Remember: BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING!"

Here are some sober ride options for St. Patrick's Day:

• Be My Designated Driver: http://www.bemydd.com
• MTS (Bus and Trolley): http://www.sdmts.com
• NCTD (Bus and Coaster/Sprinter): http://www.gonctd.com

Driving Under The Influence, It's Just Not Worth It. Watch our public safety message by following the Sheriff's Department on VIMEO: http://goo.gl/C1UAn.

Funding for the St. Patrick's Day DUI patrols is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

If you see a drink driver, call 9-1-1 or the Sheriff's Department at (858) 565-5200.