St. Patrick’s Day Responsibly

For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of impaired drivers, the night out has also become very dangerous.

Last year on St. Patrick’s Day, nearly half (44%) of the 105 drivers and motorcyclists involved in the fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above.

That’s why the Brownsville Police Department announced their joint efforts with federal, state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials across the nation to remind all those who plan on celebrating during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities to drink responsibly.

Whether meeting a few friends at the local pub after work if you plan on drinking alcohol, please don’t drive.

Designating a sober driver before the local celebration begins and making sure friends don’t drive drunk are just two of several, simple steps to help avoid a crash or an arrest for impaired driving:

If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;

Impaired driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2006, 42,642 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Out of that number 13,470 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences can be serious and deadly. Don’t depend on dumb luck this St. Patrick’s Day. Designate your sober driver before the party begins.