Full Notification

Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk
This St. Patrick’s Day

Don’t Depend on Dumb Luck—Designate a Sober Driver Before the Party Begins

For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night 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.

“Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or attending a party at a friend’s home, if you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages, never drive while impaired—and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired.” “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk,” said Captain Ivan Minsal, Commanding Officer of Valley Traffic Division.

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 (BAC) of .08 or higher.

Captain Minsal recommends the following easy steps for a safe St. Patrick’s Day.

*Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin

*Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and leave your car at home

*If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely

*If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911

*And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

“Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk,” said Captain Minsal. “Not only do you risk hurting 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.”


CONTACT: Detective III William Bustos, (818) 644-8021