St. Patrick’s Day has long celebrated the roots of 34.2 million Americans with Irish ancestry, and many more who just want to partake in the festivities.
Tragically, March 17 has become one of the nation’s deadliest holidays. In 2014, there were 18 people killed around the country in drunk driving crashes on St. Patrick’s Day. This year, if you’ll be drinking alcohol to celebrate, remember: “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”
A little good news? That number of fatalities over the holiday period has decreased from 2013. On St. Patrick’s Day in 2013, 32 lives were lost to drunk driving.
While we should all be encouraged by the downward trend in traffic deaths, we still want to encourage everyone to make a plan before heading out to St. Paddy’s events. Understand the danger of drinking and driving. Buzzed or drunk, you should not drive.
Before you take your first sip of green beer, leave your keys at home or give them to a friend. Ensure your sober designated driver has committed to a drink-free evening. If you’re the designated driver, do not drink. Your friends are relying on you, as are the people with whom you share the road.