With Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on the horizon, the Lycoming County DUI Task Force will be increasing its DUI enforcement efforts, Sgt. Robert Cochran, task force coordinator and an officer with the Lycoming Regional Police Department, said in a press release.

The efforts will see an increase in roving patrols, the release said.

“These holidays are known for celebrations that often include alcohol consumption,” Cochran said in the release.

“Our goal is to remind everyone to celebrate responsibly and to make smart choices before getting behind the wheel,” the release continued.

Cochran urged those who feel even the slightest bit tipsy to reach out to family, friends or rideshare options such as Uber or Lyft to get home safely.

To maximize safety while enjoying the upcoming festivities, those taking part should consider planning ahead and arranging for a designated driver.

The public can assist law enforcement by helping to keep preventing impaired friends and family from driving and by reporting any suspected impaired drivers to law enforcement immediately.

Alcohol-impaired driving contributes to nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States, according to the release, citing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“The Lycoming County DUI Task Force is committed to reducing these numbers by proactively addressing impaired driving,” the release said.

In addition to alcohol-impairment, officers will also be on the lookout for anyone operating a vehicle under the influence of other illicit substances.

“Drivers caught under the influence will face serious legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time,” the release stressed.

“Drive sober or get pulled over,” the release concluded.