Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck, AAA and representatives from local bars announced program details Thursday.
Meanwhile some University of Dayton students were sharing their weekend plans with News Center 7’s Caroline Reinwald.
“Yeah there is a lot of drinking involved,” said Max Hawthorne, a University of Dayton student said of his plans to celebrate the Irish holiday. ”Usually we get up around four in the morning, hang out and do a lot of fun things.”
TOP NEWS: This Dayton MetroPark is about to get much bigger
Nicholas Lenart, another UD student said he would start celebrating early too. “Umm, 40’s at 4, hopefully. And then the rest of the day I have no idea, if weather permits,” he said.
All that celebrating is why from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Sunday, Heck is supplying free cab rides home to Montgomery County residents.
”If you’re thinking to yourself, I wonder if I’ve had too much to drink. I wonder if I’ve had too much to drink. That means you have,” Heck said.
For those planning to chance it, this is what you’ll be facing.
Law enforcement officials said they’re sending out extra patrols on the roads this weekend.
“They’re going to be looking for impaired drivers. We want everyone to have a good time. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your friends and family. Just don’t get behind the wheel of a car if you’ve been drinking,” Carlene Maynes, coordinator for Montgomery County OVI Task Force, said.
Local bars will also have an increased law enforcement presence.
”We’ve hired Dayton Police Department. We’ve got a lot of extra officers we’ve got on our site because we care about safety and the way the world is going right now we want to make sure it’s as safe as possible,” Steve Tieber, owner of the Dublin Pub said Thursday.
The free rides home, up to a $50 fare, are available to Montgomery County residents by calling 937-449-9999.
About the Author