Authorities crack down on SWFL drunk driving for St. Patrick’s Day

Police and deputies across Southwest Florida are cracking down on drunk driving tonight for St. Patrick’s Day Sunday.

Deputies told WINK News, drivers caught drinking and driving could cost someone as much as $10,000.

“Last thing you want to do is make it poor decision,” said Lieutenant Greg Bueno with Florida Highway Patrol. “It could seriously hurt or kill someone.”

Bueno said to have a plan organized before going out to drink.

“Because once you start drinking, you’re gonna start having a conversation with yourself, ‘Oh, I’m OK,’” Bueno said. “Well if you’re having a conversation with yourself, chances are you’re not OK.”

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 234 people were killed in car crashes due to drunk driving during the Irish holiday celebration nationwide between 2013 and 2017.

So it’s important to have a backup plan for your night out as well.

AAA offers its “Tow To Go” service for St. Patrick’s Day. The service number in the state is (855) 2-TOW-2-GO.

Bueno said reporting bad behavior is also welcomed.

“Call 911,” Bueno said. “That is a valid call. We want you to tell us that so that we can respond immediately and do everything possible to get that vehicle stopped before it hurt someone.”