St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America date back to the country’s founding. While this year’s events may look a little different, if you plan to celebrate, please remember one important piece of advice: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. This means that if you plan to drink any alcoholic beverage, it’s essential that you plan for a sober designated driver beforehand.
Nationwide on average, more than 10,000 people are killed each year in a drunk-driving crash. That’s roughly one death every 52 minutes, and one of the reasons the Wyandot County Safe Communities Coalition and local law enforcement are working to remind drivers that drunk driving is illegal and can be deadly. As you head out to the festivities, help us spread the word: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
If you’re the designated driver this St. Patrick’s Day, make sure you keep that promise of safety to yourself and your passengers. It can be a long night, but people are counting on you, not to mention the other drivers and passengers. Also, drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention to their surroundings could put pedestrians at risk of getting hit by a vehicle. Take the role of designated driver seriously — people are relying on you.
While making your plans to celebrate, be honest with yourself: You know whether you’ll be drinking or not. Follow these ideas to ensure you and your fellow partygoers stay safe.
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.
- Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
Don’t become a statistic this St. Patrick’s Day. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. For more information regarding traffic safety, follow Wyandot County Public Health on Facebook or visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov.