This St. Paddy’s Day, don’t rely on the
Luck o’ the Irish:
Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving
For decades, Americans across the country have come together to celebrate their Irish heritage —
Irish or not — over a pint of green beer and community festivities. Sadly, all this merry-making can lead
to dangerous driving conditions as party-goers head home. In 2017 alone, 59 people were killed in
drunk-driving crashes over the St. Paddy’s Day holiday period (6 p.m., March 16, to 5:59 a.m., March
18).
The selfish act of drinking and driving can rip people from their friends and loved ones forever. For this
reason, your local Family and Community Health agent, is working to spread the message about the
dangers of drunk driving. Even one drink can be one too many. For people planning to go out and
celebrate the Irish festivities, plan ahead — and remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Tragically, March 17 has become a dangerous and even deadly holiday on American roadways.
According to the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), during the 2017 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, more than one-third (37 percent) of all
motor vehicle crash fatalities involved drunk drivers. The early hours of March 18, 2017 were the most
dangerous. Between midnight and 5:59 a.m., three-fourths (75 percent) of all crash fatalities involved
drunk drivers. In fact, from 2013 to 2017, more than one-third (35 percent) of the drunk-driving fatalities
during this holiday period involved drivers who had blood alcohol concentrations well above the .08
legal limit, with 234 total drunk-driving fatalities. Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians
who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention to
surroundings could put pedestrians at risk of getting hit by a vehicle.
“St. Patrick’s Day should be a fun holiday for our community members, but we expect everyone to take
responsibility for their actions,” said Audrey Gossett Louis, 81st Judicial District Attorney. “Whether
you’re driving yourself or your friends, make sure you stay sober or plan for a sober ride home.
Remember: It’s not just about you. There are other people on the roads who want to get where they
are going safely. Don’t let alcohol cause you to be a risk to yourself and others on the road. Drinking
and driving is an act of selfishness. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: Buzzed
Driving Is Drunk Driving. If you feel a buzz, you are in no shape to drive.”
Drunk driving isn’t the only risk on the road: Drug-impaired driving is also an increasing problem on
U.S. roads. If drivers are impaired by any substance — alcohol or drugs — they should not get behind
the wheel of a vehicle. Driving while impaired is illegal, period. The bottom line is this: If You Feel
Different, You Drive Different. It’s that simple.