SAN DIEGO–For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the large number of drunk drivers, the night out has also become very dangerous.
On St. Patrick’s Day 2008, 37% of the drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or attending the Shamrock 2010, if you plan on using alcohol, never drive while impaired—and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired.” Officer McCullough said, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.”
Officer Mark McCullough recommends the following easy steps, for a safe St. Patrick’s Day. “Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk,” said Officer McCullough. “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, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org. Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
