On Sunday, March 17, 2019 the Pasadena Police Department conducted a citywide DUI saturation patrol program. Specially trained officers were on the lookout for alcohol or drug impaired drivers. This was the third in a series of four planned DUI enforcement operations being conducted by the Pasadena Police Department during the month of March, and coincided with annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Throughout the operation, 111 vehicle enforcement stops were made. Four people were arrested on suspicion of DUI, two people were arrested for driving without being properly licensed, and one person was arrested for driving with a suspended license.
“On St. Patrick’s Day in 2017, deaths due to DUI were 8 percent higher than the national average,” said Pasadena Police Department Traffic Section Lieutenant Mark Goodman. “This year, we wanted to do our part to put a dent in that number.” Lieutenant Goodman said, “This year’s focus was on education, which meant partnering with local community organizations such as Day One to get the word out to as many people as possible regarding the dangers of driving under the influence.”
“Avoiding a DUI on St. Patrick’s Day, or any other day, has nothing to do with luck,” said Goodman. “DUI arrests can be prevented through proper planning and the use of a designated sober driver or other safe ride home.”
The Pasadena Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, can impair and result in a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.
Individuals caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be approximately $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for this DUI saturation patrol was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
