While the public makes plans to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the California Highway Patrol is preparing to keep the roadways free of impaired drivers.

Last year on St. Patrick’s Day, the CHP made 148 driving under the influence arrests. Three people were killed and 66 people were injured as a result of DUI collisions.

The CHP recommends these steps to avoid impaired driving:

• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before you go out to drink.
• If you are hosting a party, serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages. Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party.
• If you see a friend who is too drunk to drive, take their keys and call them a cab or ride-share, or give them a ride home.
• If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911. Your phone call may save someone’s life.