Do your St. Patrick’s Day plans include alcohol? Don’t rely on the luck o’ the Irish to keep you safe, according to law enforcement officials.
It’s a message to live by every day: Don’t drink and drive. But data shows March 17 is a dangerous and deadly night on the roads, according to Col. Mark W. McDonough, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety.
“Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the heavier nights for impaired drivers,” McDonough said. “If you consume alcohol, don’t drive.”
From 2009 to 2013, 276 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during St. Patrick’s Day weekend, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2013, 31 people died in holiday crashes, the NHTSA said.
Here are seven tips for staying safe:
1. Plan ahead. Decide if you'll be drinking or driving. You can't do both.
2. Arrange a ride. If you plan to drink, leave your keys at home or give them to a sober driver.
3. Be the designated driver. If green beer isn't your thing, volunteer to be the sober driver for friends.
4. Taxi! Even if you have a designated driver, put the number of a taxi company in your phone just in case.
5. Tow to Go: Put this in your phone, too. It's a last resort, but this free service is available in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee for AAA members and non-members. Call 855-2-TOW-2-GO or 855-286-9246.
6. Be alert. Not drinking or celebrating? Be watchful on the roads anyway. If you see someone who you believe is driving impaired, call 911.
7. Get tough. Don't worry about offending a friend. Speak up before letting someone you love get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. Their life is worth more than a pot of gold.
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