# Frankfort law enforcement partners to combat impaired driving during St. Patrick's Day  
**Published:** 2026-03-12T14:02:09.000Z  
**Source:** [Kentucky State Police Post 12](https://kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/news/p12-3-12-2026/)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/frankfort-law-enforcement-partners-to-combat-impaired-driving-during-st-patrick-

LEXINGTON, Ky. — [Law enforcement agencies in Frankfort are joining forces to crack down on impaired driving as St. Patrick's Day festivities approach](https://kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/news/p12-3-12-2026/), intensifying roving patrols and traffic safety checkpoints through March 17.

The Kentucky State Police, Franklin County Sheriff's Office and Frankfort Police Department are collaborating as part of [the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving" campaign](https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/buzzed-driving), which emphasizes that even minimal alcohol consumption impairs driving ability. [According to NHTSA, one person is killed every 42 minutes in the U.S. in a drunk driving crash](https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/buzzed-driving).

"Impaired driving remains one of the most preventable causes of serious crashes on Kentucky roadways," said KSP Captain Doug Carter. "Through this collaborative enforcement effort, our agencies are working together to keep our communities safe and hold those who choose to drive impaired accountable."

The enforcement push comes as Kentucky continues to grapple with significant impaired driving fatalities. In 2025, Kentucky recorded 3,546 alcohol-involved crashes resulting in 91 deaths, underscoring the scope of the problem in the state.

Franklin County Sheriff Dwayne Depp emphasized the value of inter-agency coordination. "By working alongside partnering agencies, we help ensure Franklin County's roadways are safe for everyone while strengthening the community we serve," he said. "Through coordinated enforcement, education, and shared resources, these partnerships make a real difference in keeping impaired drivers off the road and protecting the lives of those traveling through our county."

Frankfort Police Assistant Chief Scott Tracy urged motorists attending St. Patrick's Day celebrations to plan ahead. "If you're behind the wheel and you feel even a little 'buzzed,' you're already making a gamble with someone else's life," Tracy said. "Our request is simple: if your plans include alcohol, make sure they also include a safe way home."

Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone planning to attend St. Patrick's Day festivities to arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or select another safe transportation option in advance. For more information on impaired driving prevention, visitors can consult [NHTSA's resources on drunk driving](https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving).

## Sources

- [Kentucky State Police Post 12](https://kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/news/p12-3-12-2026/)
- [NHTSA's Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving campaign and safety statistics](https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/buzzed-driving)

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This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Kentucky State Police Post 12, enriched with 3 web searches. The original source is available at https://kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/news/p12-3-12-2026/.