With green beer advertised on every corner, one might think drunken drivers would canvass the streets on St.

Friday, March 17, 2000

With green beer advertised on every corner, one might think drunken drivers would canvass the streets on St. Patrick’s Day.

But Ohio Highway Patrol troopers are not too concerned.

"It has a tendency to be a high drinking day, but there’s not a big difference," OHP Lt. Jim Coleman said. "We are seeing more designated drivers."

High penalties might be one reason for this decline in driving under the influence charges during the holidays, Coleman added.

"It’s the seriousness of the laws," he said. "It’s up to a $1,000 fine for the first offense and a mandatory three days in jail or driving school. And there are other considerations besides sentences. Other monetary problems include the cost of insurance and getting driving privileges reinstated."

And if it’s not a first offense, the penalty for drinking and driving is even greater, Coleman said.

"Your vehicle could be immobilized for 30 days to six months and for further violations in a six-year period it could go up to forfeiture of a vehicle," he said.

Even though there seem to be fewer intoxicated drivers on the roadways, OHP troopers will keep their eyes peeled as they do every day to protect the safety of the motoring public, Coleman added.

"We are aware of the problem and we have put the appropriate manpower in the appropriate places to deal with it," he said.

If someone does plan to indulge in a few green beers on St. Patrick’s Day, Coleman recommends bringing a designated driver along or making other arrangements.

"Stay where you are," he said.

Troopers won’t be the only ones keeping an eye out on traffic this holiday weekend. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department deputies also will be cruising the streets, Sheriff Roy Smith said.

"We have federal funding for traffic enforcement and we may use some of that," Smith said. "It’s not a major holiday. The biggest thing is the drinking and that involves traffic control more than anything. We’ll have fairly good patrols out throughout the weekend."