HAVERTOWN, PA — Police across Southeast Pennsylvania are increasing DUI enforcement ahead of St. Patrick’s Day through a coordinated campaign aimed at preventing impaired driving crashes.
What This Means for You
- Police will conduct increased DUI patrols across Pennsylvania from March 6 through March 17.
- Roving patrols and other enforcement efforts will target impaired drivers during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- Drivers are urged to plan ahead by using a designated driver, rideshare service, or taxi if they plan to drink.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania State Police, Haverford Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania DUI Association, and AAA announced the enforcement effort during a media event at the Haverford Township Police Department in Delaware County.
The campaign, called Operation Sober Shamrock, began Thursday and runs through March 7, as part of broader St. Patrick’s Day impaired-driving enforcement efforts statewide.
Increased DUI Patrols
Law enforcement agencies will conduct roving DUI patrols and other enforcement activities throughout the holiday enforcement period, which runs from March 6 through March 17.
Officials said the patrols are designed to deter drivers from operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The enforcement effort is part of PennDOT’s ongoing highway safety campaign to reduce impaired-driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Funding for the initiative includes federal highway safety funds distributed by PennDOT from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Officials Stress Safety
Haverford Township Police Chief John Viola said impaired driving continues to cause preventable tragedies in communities.
“Our community has seen firsthand the devastation and loss caused by alcohol-impaired driving, along with the lasting pain it inflicts on families, friends, and entire communities,” Viola said. “Drinking and driving is not an option, but making sure someone sober will be behind the wheel is.”
Officials said impaired driving remains a concern during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period.
According to PennDOT data, during the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period—from Friday, March 7 through Monday, March 17—Pennsylvania recorded 67 crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in two fatalities.
Planning a Safe Ride
Safety officials are urging drivers to plan ahead if they intend to drink alcohol.
Pennsylvania DUI Association Regional Program Administrator Jim French said drivers should arrange transportation before going out.
“Keep in mind that your journey affects others,” French said. “Every driver and passenger on the road deserves to arrive at their destination safely.”
Officials recommend designating a sober driver, using a rideshare service or taxi, or arranging other safe transportation.
They also urged residents to intervene if a friend who has been drinking attempts to drive and to call 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver on the road.
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