St. Patrick’s Day has become one of the nation’s deadliest holidays.

From 2010 to 2014, almost three-fourths of the drunk-driving fatalities during this holiday period involved drivers who had blood alcohol levels well above the 0.08 limit, with 266 drunk-driving fatalities total nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To help lower deaths and injuries, South Lake Tahoe police officers will be deploying extra officers on overtime targeting problem areas with high numbers of DUI collisions and DUI arrests. These DUI patrols along with routine nightly patrols will be looking for the tell-tale signs of impaired driving to include weaving and crossing the center line. Officers will also conducting a DUI checkpoint on March 17 from 7pm to 2am.

Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention could put a person at risk of getting hit by a vehicle.

Tips to be safe:

• Designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely. Find the name of a taxi company (or two), and keep their numbers in your phone, or download the California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app. Or order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb.
• Before you take your first sip of green beer, leave your keys at home or give them to a friend. Ensure your designated driver has committed to a sober evening. If you’re the designated driver, do not drink.

This enforcement campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The next special DUI campaign is set for Cinco de Mayo.