Patrol plans DWI saturations March 14-17

WELDON SPRING, Mo. (AP) - Those planning to party on and around St. Patrick's Day in Missouri should plan ahead for a designated driver or face the risk of an arrest for driving while intoxicated.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Thursday that it and other police agencies in the state are joining forces to crack down on drunken driving March 14 through March 17. St. Patrick's Day is March 17. Patrol officers plan to saturate some areas and be especially vigilant for those who have been drinking.

The patrol says 205 people were killed and more than 3,500 seriously hurt in Missouri last year in crashes involving impaired drivers.