Keep Bailing

LOS ANGELES (03/15/10) – “Beware the Ides of March!” If you’re not Roman, you know what to beware of… break out your old, dusty green T-shirts, “Kiss Me I’m Irish” buttons, Shamrock earrings and good luck green socks, because St. Patrick’s Day is on it’s way - Wednesday, March 17th.

But don’t let this mid-week holiday fool you for one minute. State wide law enforcement will be in place. So if you’re caught driving under the influence of too many green beers, well, you’ll going to be arrested and charged with DUI. You’ll also be fined, lose your driving freedom and spend the night in jail. Fun, huh?

Now, I apologize for putting a damper on one of the years funnest holidays, but I want to make sure we all make it home safely – after our green day celebrations.

There will be several events in Los Angeles. Like the St. Patrick’s Day parade, the LA County Irish Fair, the Orange County Marketplace St. Patrick’s Day Festival, and the St. Patty’s Fest in Hollywood. Then again, there’s the many cool Irish pubs and Taverns peppered about town. A great time to be had by all!

But be mindful. Public drinking laws may also be enforced on the street. Don’t get caught with a brew in hand at a public parade. Most city ordinances prohibit folks from possessing open containers in public places.

During the week of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Los Angeles Police Department will be conducting sobriety checkpoints around the city in an effort to keep the streets of L.A. safe. Below are some of the checkpoints and dates: 

• Wednesday, March 17, 2010  in the LAPD Wilshire Area
• Friday, March 19, 2010 in the LAPD North Hollywood Area
• March 21st, DUI saturation patrols will be conducted in communities served by both the LAPD Harbor and Central Community Police Stations.

The LAPD states, “If you plan on consuming alcohol, never drive while impaired and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired.” And, the team at Greg Rynerson Bail Bonds reminds you:“Buzz driving is drunk driving.”

So here are a few pointers to keep in mind before going out on St. Patty’s Day:

1. Before leaving home, plan a safe way of getting back prior to any celebrating.
2. If you know you are going to imbibe, make sure to designate a sober driver.
3. Simply leave your car keys at home. You can call a taxi, friend, family member, or use public transportation to make sure you get home safely.
4. If you see a possible drunk driver on the road, make a safe call to 911.
5. If you have a friend or see someone under the influence about to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, kindly take the car keys away from them. Take responsibility for them, and help them to get  home safely. 

Once the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are over, we’ll all want to arrive back at home safely, sleep warm and soundly in our beds, and dream of little leprechauns dancing ’round in our heads. Have a happy and safe St. Patty’s day everyone!

Photocredit: © Julián Rovagnati