Kenneta Fabing from Washington, D.C., left, and Wayne Smith from Norfolk, Virginia, watch this year’s 38th annual Washington DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade which is held along Constitution Avenue.
(Astrid Riecken/The Washington Times)Police departments throughout the region are increasing security on the roads for St. Patrick’s Day, while local restaurants and bars are taking extra precautions to promote the safety of their patrons.
“Our message is, ‘Don’t test your luck on St. Patrick’s Day,’ ” said Assistant Chief Patrick Burke of the Metropolitan Police Department. “We encourage people to have a plan before they go out - there’s no reason, especially in the District, to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.”
Chief Burke said D.C. police will be out in force for the Irish holiday, manning checkpoints and increasing the number of patrolling cars throughout the day.
State police in Maryland and Virginia will put in place measures like saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints as well.
“The state police doesn’t have a problem with people celebrating their Irish heritage, but what we do ask is that people make informed decisions and drive responsibly,” Virginia State Policespokeswoman Corinne Geller said.
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) also is offering impaired revelers free cab rides home, up to a $50 fare. More than 200 people last year used the SoberRide program, whose sponsors include popular Irish bars and restaurants.
The Dubliner pub on Capitol Hill - which participates in the WRAP program - also plans to have more security on hand than usual and keep pathways clear throughout the restaurant to provide a safe St. Patrick’s Day environment, said general manager Gavin Coleman.
Other bars, like Fado Irish Pub in Northwest, will be increasing security precautions and participating in the WRAP program as well.
“The key for prevention and safety is well-trained bartenders who know not to overserve people and enough security to keep people moving and look for problems,” Mr. Coleman said.
The SoberRide program will be offered from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 4 a.m. Wednesday in the District; in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland; and in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties in Virginia.
Residents can call 800/200-TAXI (8294) for a ride home.
By Seth McLaughlin - The Washington Times
By David Eldridge and Cheryl Wetzstein - The Washington Times
By Dave Boyer - The Washington Times
By Dr. Milton R. Wolf
Victory requires Mitt to complete his conversion
By Jeffrey Anderson - The Washington Times
Within weeks of an inspector general’s report that criticized a bid by the D.C. Lottery ...
By David Hood - The Washington Times
Their ranks have thinned over the past three years, but a renewed sense of optimism ...
By Nekesa Mumbi Moody - Associated Press
Adele, who captured the world’s heart with an album about a broken romance, emerged as ...
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
A mother of three and a passionate conservative, Shirley Husar changes the game with commentary on the political game ala California, U.S.A.
A slice of suburban family life from the diverse perspectives of a politically minded mom.
A wife, mother of three and world waterskiing champion looks at the world through the eyes of her faith.
From family to children, to life on our street and in our world, Lori shares her view of the world
CPAC 2012
26 Photos
CPAC opens in Washington
29 Photos
State of the District
8 Photos
Police raid Occupy D.C. camp
13 Photos
Potomac Phil makes stuffy debut
11 Photos
Romney wins Florida primary
8 Photos
Police stop Occupy D.C. sleepovers
13 Photos
Exiles want Republicans to free Cuba
21 Photos
