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February 15, 2023Don’t test your luck: Don’t drink and drive on St. Patrick’s Day
NATIONWIDE— Local law enforcement agencies and national safety leaders are urging people to not press their luck this St. Patrick’s Day.
Their message is simple: Don’t drink and drive.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said everyone should “drink responsibly” while celebrating the holiday. The administration said while they understand many celebrate by indulging in alcohol, even “one night of drinking can lead to deadly consequences if plans aren’t made to get home safely.”
“Please remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you plan to drink this St. Patrick’s Day, plan ahead for a safe way home,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s deputy administrator.
Between 6 p.m. on March 16 through 5:59 a.m. on March 18 in 2020, 36% of crash fatalities involved drunk drivers. Between 2016 to 2020, 287 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in that timeframe, according to NHTSA.
NATIONWIDE— Local law enforcement agencies and national safety leaders are urging people to not press their luck this St. Patrick’s Day.
Their message is simple: Don’t drink and drive.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said everyone should “drink responsibly” while celebrating the holiday. The administration said while they understand many celebrate by indulging in alcohol, even “one night of drinking can lead to deadly consequences if plans aren’t made to get home safely.”
“Please remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you plan to drink this St. Patrick’s Day, plan ahead for a safe way home,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s deputy administrator.
Between 6 p.m. on March 16 through 5:59 a.m. on March 18 in 2020, 36% of crash fatalities involved drunk drivers. Between 2016 to 2020, 287 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in that timeframe, according to NHTSA.
More than one-third of St. Patrick’s Day crash fatalities involved drunk drivers
NHTSA also said there were 11,654 fatalities from drunk-driving crashes in 2020 alone.
Even if you’re walking, doing so while intoxicated can turn deadly. NHTSA said in 2020, 30% of pedestrians killed in traffic incidents had blood alcohol concentrations at or above .08. Even those who are walking on the holiday should arrange for a sober ride or sober walking buddy.
NATIONWIDE— Local law enforcement agencies and national safety leaders are urging people to not press their luck this St. Patrick’s Day.
Their message is simple: Don’t drink and drive.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said everyone should “drink responsibly” while celebrating the holiday. The administration said while they understand many celebrate by indulging in alcohol, even “one night of drinking can lead to deadly consequences if plans aren’t made to get home safely.”
“Please remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you plan to drink this St. Patrick’s Day, plan ahead for a safe way home,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s deputy administrator.
Between 6 p.m. on March 16 through 5:59 a.m. on March 18 in 2020, 36% of crash fatalities involved drunk drivers. Between 2016 to 2020, 287 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in that timeframe, according to NHTSA.
Walking while intoxicated poses a danger for pedestrians
NHTSA also said there were 11,654 fatalities from drunk-driving crashes in 2020 alone.
Even if you’re walking, doing so while intoxicated can turn deadly. NHTSA said in 2020, 30% of pedestrians killed in traffic incidents had blood alcohol concentrations at or above .08. Even those who are walking on the holiday should arrange for a sober ride or sober walking buddy.
St. Patrick’s Day safety precautions for everyone:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Designate a sober driver or a call a ride service to get home safely.
- Never let a friend drive drunk. Arrange a safe and sober way for them to get home.
- If you’re the designated driver, make sure you don’t drink so you can keep that promise of safety to yourself and your passengers.
- Don’t ride in a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact your local law enforcement to report the driver.
If you’re hosting a party:
- Make sure all your guests designate their sober drivers in advance.
- Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
- Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party and keep serving non-alcoholic drinks and food.
- Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving after drinking and get them a ride home