RENO -- In anticipation of St Patrick’s Day being celebrated by many revelers this Sunday, and the possibility of increased alcohol consumption during the entire festive weekend, the Nevada Highway Patrol would like to remind all motorists to plan their partying activities safely and responsibly.  

Driving under the influence of alcohol or DUI is a preventable crime, yet at least one person is booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility for this offense everyday.  Although every motorist should have a safe plan in place whenever alcohol is involved, NHP would like to reinforce the safety message with greater emphasis in anticipation of additional libations being consumed this weekend.

The most important part of any festive planning involving alcohol should be to designate a safe and sober driver and not the person in the group who has had the least amount to drink.  Staying at home or at your favorite hotel property is another way of preventing intoxicated persons from jeopardizing an alcohol-related arrest or causing a crash.  Another method is to consider public transportation such as a taxi-cab, city bus or limousine service.

The Regional Transportation Commission or RTC is offering free bus rides this Sunday from 4:00 pm – midnight in an effort to provide an alternative and safe transportation to party goers.  For more information about the event, including specific route times, please log onto www.rtcwashoe.com or call (775) 348-RIDE.  This service is being co-sponsored by the Northern Nevada DUI Task Force.