St. Patrick's Day Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving Campaign

St. Patrick’s Day is this Thursday March 17th, and it’s not the luck of the Irish that will keep the roads safe – it’s planning ahead for a safe and sober way home.

I am from an Irish family and we celebrate St. Patrick's Day with all the normal food and fair.  I love making Corned Beef and Cabbage along with Irish Soda Bread, followed up by a tall glass of cold beer.  We usually celebrate at home, so we do not have to worry about anyone heading out on the road.  Many folks however, do like to go to parties offered by local eateries and bars.

Global Influence is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help spread the word about keeping yourself and the ones you love safe on this fun day of celebration.

For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out for drinking and celebrating with friends and family.  Unfortunately, some of these people might also be driving home from their festivities and therefore, the night out has also become potentially dangerous.

On St. Patrick’s Day 2009, 37 percent of the drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

Here are just a few of things to do if you plan on consuming alcohol:

• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you leave for your event.
• Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.
• Hand over your keys to someone you know will not be drinking

Even if you will not be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day, keep in mind that in 2009, 1,119 occupants of other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, so pay attention to others on the road.  And remember, you don’t have to be “falling down drunk” to be too impaired to drive safely. Even a few drinks can impair driving…and a buzzed driving ticket or crash has the same consequences as a drunk driving ticket or crash.

  

To learn more please follow Buzzed Driving on Facebook  and Twitter for more information.

Remember: Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving. Don't rely on dumb luck this St. Patrick's Day. Plan ahead and ask your loved ones to do the same.

Please have a fun and safe St. Patrick's Day!

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night.
~Irish Blessing