Widely celebrated across the country, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) is one of the deadliest holidays due to the number of drunk drivers on the road.

Drunk driving kills more than 10,000 people each year in this country, and every single one of those deaths is preventable.

The Columbia Police Department and St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department announced they will be conducting special traffic safety patrols over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

“You can expect to see more  Columbia police officers out protecting the roadways this holiday weekend,” Columbia Acting Chief of Police Jerry Paul said. “Our goal is to focus on impaired drivers and any violations that increase the risk of traffic crashes and injury.”

The extra patrols are 100 percent funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety.

“The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department will be on patrol this St. Patrick’s Day, so make sure you obey the law,” St. Clair County Sheriff Richard Watson said. “Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your friends do it, either.”

In addition to looking for drunk drivers, police will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest.

Sheriff Watson said designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two simple steps to help avoid a crash or an arrest for drunk driving. Other important tips include:

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:
• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you serve is involved in a drunk driving crash;
• Make sure all of your guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers;
• Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party;
• Keep phone numbers for local cab companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.
If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day party:
• Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys;
• If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home, call a cab, sober friend or family member to pick you up or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober;
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while drunk;
• Always buckle up – it is your best defense against a drunk driver.
Pedestrians are at risk, too. If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. Even a sober driver is a risk if you are drinking and walking. Designated drivers: Be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.