Don't press your luck! This St. Patrick's Day, plan before you party

St. Patrick ’s Day is widely celebrated across the country and can be really fun. But that fun brings a dangerous side effect: Drunk driving. On this holiday, more drunk drivers are likely to drive on roadways.

In fact, the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period from 2011-2015 saw the loss of 252 lives due to drunk-driving crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2015, 30 people were killed in drunk driving crashes over this holiday period.

After consuming alcohol there is no such thing as being, “OK to drive.” Just one or two beverages can impair your judgement and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk—or worse. Nothing is worth putting your own and other lives at risk by drinking and driving.

Planning ahead is the key to staying safe after you’ve been drinking. Before the party begins, make a plan for how to get home safely. 

Most drivers aren’t leprechauns and don’t have a pot of gold on hand to pay for a DUI. The average DUI can cost $10,000. You’ll save more money if you use public transportation, or get a ride home from a friend.

The decision is up to you, whether you drink or you drive - but you can’t do both. Help those around you be responsible party goers as well. Walking while intoxicated can also bring bad luck as lack of attention and coordination puts you at risk of getting struck by a vehicle. If you know someone who has been drinking, take away their keys and help them find a safe ride home.

During this holiday, remember that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.