The Region - News from March 7, 1986

Los Angeles police will Set up at least two sobriety checkpoints on St. Patrick’s Day to catch drunk drivers and to encourage bar patrons to take advantage of a free taxi ride program. Police Chief Daryl F. Gates made the announcement at a news conference called to outline plans for the free rides, which are sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the California Restaurant Assn., Centinela Hospital Medical Center, Checker Cab Co. and radio stations KABC and KLOS. “Those who over-indulge in spirits have a choice--either a free ride home or the alternative of a free ride to jail in a black-and-white patrol car. . . ,” Gates said. Later, Cmdr. William Booth said the locations of the checkpoints will be announced on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. Gates said 30,256 people were arrested in Los Angeles for driving under the influence during 1985. Forty-one people were killed and 384 were injured by drunks behind the wheel.