DUI checkpoint planned for St. Patrick's Day

YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning County Operating a Vehicle Impaired Task Force will have additional officers on patrol in multiple jurisdictions Friday, St. Patrick's Day.
A sobriety checkpoint is scheduled at 7 that night in Mahoning County.
The task force and Mahoning Safe Communities are joining with federal, state, local safety and law enforcement officers to remind all those who plan to celebrate St. Patrick's Day to act responsibly. Funding for extra patrols is available through a grant through the Goshen Police District.
Impaired driving is one of America's deadliest problems. In 2004, 48 percent of traffic fatalities that occurred on the evening of St. Patrick's Day and into the early morning hours involved drivers with blood alcohol content of .01 and higher.
To have a safe St. Patrick's Day celebration, officials suggest:
Designate a driver.
Call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member for a ride.
Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.
Buckle up as a defense against an impaired driver.
For more information visit the Web site, www.StopImpairedDriving.org.