As one of the country’s most popular holidays, 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.
This year, if you’ll be drinking alcohol, remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.
So whether you’ve indulged a little or a lot, NHTSA, PennDOT and TMA Bucks wants to remind all of Bucks County that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Let’s make 2016 safe! Use this party-planning checklist to stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day:
- Party Preparation: Designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely!
- On St. Patrick’s Day: Before you take your first sip of green beer, leave your keys at home or give them to a friend. Ensure your designated driver has committed to a sober 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!
Fact: In 2014, on average, 1 person was killed every 53 minutes in a drunk-driving crash in the United States. That totaled 9,967 drunk-driving fatalities that year. Too many people are not getting the message. Drunk driving is deadly and illegal. In fact, even if you have a BAC under .08, you could still be arrested and convicted of drunk driving.
To drink and drive is a crime and you put yourself at risk, as well as others. The consequences are often fatal. If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local police when it is safe to do so. You could save a life!
