Police to focus on drunk drivers

Culpeper police are asking residents to use common sense, instead of luck, when celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Beginning today through Tuesday, police will have extra officers on patrol to look for drunken drivers, said Lt. Scott Roy, who asked everyone to celebrate responsibly.

If not, “It can quickly end in tragedy due to impaired driving,” Culpeper Police Chief Scott Barlow said. “We want everyone to get home safely.”

Authorities encourage everyone to plan a safe way home before celebrating; they also remind people to take the keys from anyone who can’t get home safely.

“Driving impaired or riding with someone who is drunk is extremely risky,” said Roy, who heads the PD’s drunken driving enforcement efforts. “If you plan on using alcohol, plan ahead and look out for your friends too. Remember, friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”

According to police, more than 41,000 people died in accidents nationwide in 2007. Almost 13,000 of them died due to someone who was legally drunk.

Anyone with questions may contact Lt. Roy at 727-3444 ext. 340.