The Wyoming Highway Patrol has warned against drunk driving, reminding motorists not to drive while intoxicated over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office plans to increase its patrol for drunk drivers throughout the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day.
Arnie Zertuche, Fremont County Deputy Sheriff, says those intending to drink should have a designated driver available to take them home to avoid DUI citations.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol has also publically warned against drunk driving, reminding motorists not to drive while intoxicated over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Extra police officers will be stationed around Wyoming this weekend looking for impaired drivers. In other areas, task forces made up of officers from other state and local departments also will be on the road.
Law enforcement will increase its patrol as a result of higher drinking and driving rates during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
In its release, statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that from 2006 to 2010, more than 700 people were killed in drunk driving related accidents nationally.
Based on a study conducted by the Denson firm, a Criminal Defense & DUI attorney, in 2009, more than one-third of all car accidents that occurred in the U.S. on St. Patrick’s Day involved alcohol.
According to a statement released by Zertuche, officers with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol, and Riverton and Lander police departments are all planning to have increased patrols over the weekend.
As far as Laramie goes, increased patrol is not believed to be necessary. Under Sheriff Robert DeBree of the Albany County Sheriff’s office says it is possible that drunk driving will increase, but it will not be much more severe than a typical weekend.
“There will be increased enforcement on Friday and Saturday, but it’s not going to be anything drastic. As far as the Sheriff’s Office is concerned we don’t see that big of an increase in drunk driving,” DeBree said.
UWPD, however, will have additional officers working overtime this weekend in conjunction with its Wyoming Traffic safety grant.
