The Fairfax County Police Department announced on March 13 that its Traffic Safety Division will increase enforcement to identify and remove impaired drivers from county roads during the St. Patrick’s Day period.
St. Patrick’s Day falls on Tuesday, March 17, but police say celebrations often begin days before the holiday, with organized bar crawls and other events starting as early as March 14. Officers expect increased activity throughout the weekend leading up to the holiday and into the day itself.
Police note that because festivities can extend late into the night, incidents involving impaired driving may also occur in the early morning hours following celebrations. To address this, officers will increase patrols and focus on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs.
“The message remains simple: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination,” the department said in a statement.
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for a safe ride home by using designated drivers, rideshare services, taxis, or public transportation. The department also advises helping others find safe transportation if they appear impaired and reminds everyone to wear seatbelts.
“Choosing a safe ride home takes only a few moments, but driving impaired can lead to serious crashes, injuries, arrests, and lifelong consequences,” police said.
The Fairfax County Police Department urges all residents to celebrate responsibly during St. Patrick’s Day.
