CELEBRATE SAFELY THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY

On Saturday, March 15, Ocean City will again be garbed in green for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festivities. This is always a joyous weekend but the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) is reminding party-goers to celebrate safely and designate a sober driver.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 269 people have been senselessly killed nationwide in crashes involving drunk drivers during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday from 2007 to 2011. This St. Patrick’s Day, the OCPD is partnering with the Maryland Highway Safety Office to combat impaired driving offenses and will be heavily enforcing drunk driving throughout the holiday weekend.
“We hope that all of our residents and visitors enjoy Ocean City during this St. Patrick’s Day weekend,” commented Chief Ross Buzzuro. “However, we want everyone to be safe and smart during their celebration. Designate a sober driver ahead of time, call a taxi or ride the municipal bus.”
The Ocean City Police Department recommends the following tips to ensure you have a safe St. Patrick’s Day.

• Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use the municipal bus to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, never hesitate to call us at 410-723-6600.
• If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.