Don't be a Party to Drunk Driving on St. Patty's Day

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 2009, 37 percent 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.

Additional NHTSA statistics show that in 2009, there were 103 crash fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day. Out of that number, 47 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

NHTSA has St. Patrick’s Day planners available with clever campaign slogans that coalitions can use for free such as “Don’t Depend on Dumb Luck—Designate a Sober Driver Before the Party Begins” and “Kiss Me—I’m Sober.”