St. Patrick's Day events began Friday night and continue throughout the weekend. And Police will be cracking down on drunk drivers throughout the weekend too with saturation patrols. Police want you to enjoy the holiday but they want you to do it responsibly. That's why a two week blitz on drunk driving continues for St. Patrick's Day weekend.
Lt. Tim Williams with Mishawaka Police said, "we don't want any tragedies." That's why police want everyone to plan ahead. "Leave your keys at home, call that designated driver, call a family member, pay for a taxi ride," said Williams.
It's advice people at Downtown South Bend's tent party took to heart. "It's cabs all the way. That's all we do, we have them on speed dial," said Danielle Enos. "This is what we did...brought my buddy to designate drive for us," said Terrence Smith.
But what about those sober designated drivers? Or any responsible driver on the roads this weekend...what can you do to protect yourself against drunk drivers? Police say first off be alert. "As a designated driver your senses are gonna be there so remember you're gonna have to watch it's almost like, sad to say it, but watching for deer crossing the road," said Williams.
If you do see a drunk driver call 911 and steer clear. "Do not try and pass that person because if they're swerving all over the place and you try and pass them they may run you off the road," said Williams. He added, "if you see one coming up behind you if there's a safe place for you to pull off the roadway I would do that."
Because if everyone works together then hopefully everyone can get home safe.
