The Dixon Police Department is intensifying its commitment to keep the community safe this St. Patrick’s Day by enhancing enforcement measures to combat impaired driving. As festivities commence, the department pledges to ensure that celebration does not lead to calamity on our streets.

Enhanced Enforcement Measures
To deter individuals from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the department will be implementing enhanced enforcement measures throughout the weekend. These initiatives are aimed at identifying and removing impaired drivers from the roads to decrease the likelihood of accidents and fatalities.

The Sobering Reality: Impaired Driving Statistics
Impaired driving continues to pose a significant risk to public safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 30 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes daily—that's one person every 48 minutes. The St. Patrick’s Day holiday period can see an increase in these numbers due to heightened celebrations.

Safety Tips for a Safe St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
The Dixon Police Department encourages everyone to celebrate with care and offers the following advice to avert impaired driving:

1. Plan Ahead: If your celebration includes alcohol, plan not to drive. Designate a sober driver in advance, and utilize public transportation or a ride-share service.
2. Use a Designated Driver: Select a reliable person who will abstain from alcohol to drive.
3. Stay Put: If you can, stay overnight at the location of the celebration to avoid driving.
4. Report Impaired Drivers: If you spot a driver who appears to be impaired, maintain a safe distance and report them to law enforcement right away. Your action could be life-saving.
5. Host Responsibility: If you’re hosting a gathering, provide non-alcoholic drink options and ensure all guests have a secure means of getting home.

A Call to the Community

The Dixon Police Department appeals to each member of our community to heed these cautions and make responsible decisions this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Chief Robert Thompson, Dixon Police Department, states, “Our aim is not to dampen the festive mood but to guarantee that everyone concludes the celebration safely. Let’s unite to make this St. Patrick’s Day a secure and joyful occasion for everyone.” 

Stay Safe, Dixon!