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

Salisbury, MD- 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.

Last year on St. Patrick’s Day, nearly half (44%) of the 105 drivers and motorcyclists involved in the fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above.

That’s why the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office announced their joint efforts with federal, state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials across the nation to remind all those who plan on celebrating during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities to drink responsibly.

“Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or attending a party where you plan on using alcohol, never drive while impaired—and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired.” “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.” said Sheriff Mike Lewis. He went on to say “There will be Sobriety Checkpoints scheduled for this weekend, and Tuesday. Don’t press your Luck, stay off the road if you have been drinking”

Drunk Driving Prevention

Following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe St. Patrick’s Day 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 are a College Student use Safe Ride;
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 one of America’s deadliest problems. 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.

“Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not worth the risk,” said Sheriff Lewis. “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 really significant.”

Don’t depend on dumb luck this St. Patrick’s Day. Designate your sober driver before the party begins.

For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.