Page Updated - May 6, 2008

  • March 9th - 16th 2008 - Mini Mobilization  - Emphasis on high visibility and enforcement of seatbelt and child safety seat use. 
  • May 19th -  June 1st 2008 - May Mobilization - Emphasis on high visibility and enforcement of seatbelt and child safety seat use.

 St. Patrick's Day - March 17, 2008

Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk

This St. Patrick's Day

Don’t Depend on Dumb Luck—Designate a Sober Driver Before the Party Begins

 

  • 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.
  • During St. Patrick’s Day 2006, nearly half (44%) of the 105 drivers and motorcyclists involved in the fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above.
  • This limit is illegal in all states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
  • 63% of those impaired drivers and motorcyclists with the (BAC) of .08 and higher died in a crash. 
  • Whether meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or attending the big local party, if you plan on drinking alcohol, please don’t drive.

Drunk Driving Prevention

Following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road. 

    • Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
    • Before drinking,  please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
    • 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;
    • And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely. 
    •  

Impaired Driving is a Deadly Problem

 

  • Too many people still don’t understand that alcohol, drugs and driving don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accident—nor is it a victimless crime.

 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.

Impaired Driving Creates Serious Consequences

  • The tragedies and costs from driving impaired do not just end at the potential death and injury caused by impaired drivers.
  • Driving or riding a motorcycle while impaired is not worth the risk.  The consequences are serious and real.  Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant.

 Drunk driving violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost wages due to time off from work. 

  • Refusing to take a sobriety test in many jurisdictions may result in the loss of your license on the spot and the impoundment of your vehicle. Not to mention the added embarrassment, humiliation, and consequences after informing family, friends and employers.
  • Please remember that Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Designate your sober driver before the St. Patrick’s Day parties begin.

 

Don't depend on dumb luck this St. Patrick's Day.

Be Safe. Be Sober. 

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