NH State Police Looking for Impaired St. Pat’s Day Drivers

New Hampshire State Police will have extra patrols Thursday looking for those who celebrate the luck of the Irish a little too much on St. Patrick's Day.

“New Hampshire has zero tolerance for drivers who operate under the influence. It puts their lives and the lives of innocent others at risk,” Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn said at a press conference on Wednesday. “All it takes is one decision to change your life, and the lives of others.”

In 2021, 15 people faced DWI-related consequences on St. Patrick’s Day.

State Police will have approximately two dozen extra troopers on patrol looking specifically for impaired drivers.

Beth Shaw of Concord lost her son in a drunk driving crash in 2020, and asked those who are celebrating St. Patrick's Day to do it wisely and have a designated driver.

“Don’t hesitate to call a friend or a family member if you need a ride. Also, don’t let friends get behind the wheel if they’re impaired. Trust me when I tell you, someone’s life depends on it," Shaw said.

Anyone caught driving impaired could face a mandatory suspended license, a minimum fine of $500, misdemeanor or felony criminal charges, jail time, the requirement of an ignition interlock device, attendance of a driver education program, and higher insurance rates, according to the Department of Safety.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH