San Diego law enforcement out in full force for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Drivers be warned. Law enforcement will be out in force Tuesday in search of drunken or drug-impaired drivers, as San Diegans celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 275 motorists were fatally injured across the country in St. Patrick’s Day drunken driving crashes between 2009 and 2013.

Also noted by law enforcement authorities, from 2009 to 2013, about 75 percent of the drunken-driving fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day involved drivers who had a blood-alcohol content of twice the legal limit.

Authorities urge drivers to plan ahead of time and arrange for a sober ride home. They ask individuals not drinking to offer to be a designated driver. Authorities also reminded partygoers to not let friends drive drunk.

Sheriff’s deputies will be patrolling San Diego streets from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., according to sheriff’s Lt. Herbert Taft.