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.
“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.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Analyses show alcohol-impaired crashes claimed a life every 51 minutes in 2010. On St. Patrick’s Day alone, 32 percent of fatalities from motor vehicle crashes were connected to drunk driving.
Captain Minsal continues to recommend 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 II Jim Deaton, (818) 644-8035
