The North Royalton Police Department, along with many other police departments in Cuyahoga County continue to partner with the Cuyahoga County DUI Task Force to help make St. Patrick’s Day a safe one. With March 17 being well known as the day for overindulging a more potent potable, they ask that you plan ahead for a safe drive home.
Not only will there be an increased police presence on St. Patty’s Day, but also the weekend from March 14 to the 17. The aim is to keep impaired drivers off the streets to protect motorists. The increased presence will come in the form of more saturated patrols, as well as DUI checkpoints. “The North Royalton Police Department will be conducting a Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday, March 14, in the early evening hours. The specific location and time will be released on the afternoon of the 14th,” according to North Royalton Police officials.

“We anticipate that St. Patrick’s Day will be a weekend-long celebration with the holiday falling on a Monday,” says Patrolman Mark Fyock of the North Royalton Police Department. “Between St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness and people with cabin fever who have been cooped up all winter, we are expecting social activities to increase, especially if the weather breaks. This will make it an even bigger challenge for law enforcement officers to keep roadways safe.”

When you drive impaired, you run the risk of injuring yourself and/or others, vehicle and property damage. “In addition to the danger impaired driving puts on public safety, there is also a large financial risk. A DUI conviction in Ohio can run close to $10,000, including the fines, fees, and increased insurance rates. That’s far more expensive than any cab ride,” according to police officials.

Whether you are attending a party, a parade, or a local pub, make a plan to get home safely before you go. Don’t plan on the “luck of the Irish” when it comes to getting home safely. Plan ahead. Here are a few tips to that end:
• Take public transportation
• Call a cab
• Designate a driver who will remain sober
• Plan to spend the night where you are drinking
• Take the keys if someone is impaired and is planning to drive
• Don’t get into a vehicle with an impaired driver
WMMS radio is offering a party pack, including $100 gift card to the Barley House and a $100 taxi voucher from Ace Taxi. For a chance to win, visit www.WMMS.com and enter keyword Safe Rides. The winner will be chosen on March 16.