March 15, 2023

This St. Patrick’s Day, the Garden Grove Police Department will be on alert for suspected impaired drivers and reminds the community to celebrate responsibly by not driving under the influence.

Additional officers will be on patrol on March 17, from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Leave your keys at home and plan ahead before you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farra said. “Designate a sober driver, schedule a ride share, or make other plans to get home safely if you plan to consume alcohol.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest times on our nation’s roads. In 2020, more than 11,000 people in the U.S. died in drunk-driving crashes.

Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farra wants to warn the community that alcohol is not the only substance that can cause impairment. Marijuana, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.