By Clay LePard
clepard@cbs4qc.com
Across the Quad Cities, the streets were filled all day with thousands out celebrating St. Patrick's day.
CBS4 rode along with officers Saturday keeping an eye on the roads.
While it may be one of the more popular drinking holidays, today's drive along was fairly quiet, which officers say is a good thing compared to years past.
"We're seeing more people staying home, staying local, and trying not to travel as much," says Justin Schatteman, Deputy Sheriff for Rock Island County. "I think we're doing a good job out there looking for drunk drivers."
And when people are out, wearing whatever they want, they're learning to plan ahead.
"Basically you need a plan when you go out," he adds. "So when it's two or three o'clock in the morning, you're not going 'what do I do now? I have to go home.'"
Officer Schatteman says while he might not make extra arrests on a day like today, he's certainly making himself known.
"People are seeing my lights and know we're out here," he explains. "Hopefully, they'll make good decisions knowing we're out."
Officer Schatteman says they'll continue to have officers on the lookout throughout the night.
