Don’t wind up in the paddy wagon on St. Patty’s Day

Department of Public Safety, Des Moines - St. Patrick’s Day is widely observed by Americans of all ethnic backgrounds. While it’s a day to celebrate Irish heritage and enjoy the company of friends, the holiday can quickly turn deadly when someone chooses to drive drunk. Whether you’re attending a parade or making a trip to the local pub, don’t rely on the luck of the Irish to keep you safe. Designate a sober driver before the party begins – Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.

Nationally, an average of more than 170 traffic fatalities occur each St. Patrick’s holiday with over 65 of those deaths in crashes involving drunk and otherwise impaired drivers. Every day in Iowa, law enforcement officers issue an average of 50 OWI citations. That number spikes on holidays and the potential for loss of life becomes even greater.

Some common sense tips to make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration safe as well as fun include:

l Plan a safe way home before your celebration begins.

l If you plan to ride home with someone else, designate a sober driver before any drinking begins.

l If you are even slightly buzzed, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation so you make sure to get home safely.

l If you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement. You could be saving a life and your conscious will thank you.

l And please, if you notice a friend showing signs of impairment, don’t let him or her get behind the wheel.

Don’t become a statistic. Celebrate responsibly this St. Patrick’s Day.