Full Notification

Hawai‘i Police Department
Traffic Services Section
Torey D. Keltner, Program Manager
Phone: (808) 961-2305

Media Release 

Although Irish in its roots, St. Patrick’s Day is most widely celebrated in the United States. This celebratory day is one of the biggest drinking occasions of the year and, unfortunately, means an increased risk of drunk drivers on the roads.
 
To help keep our island community safe, Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD) is teaming up with the U@nhtsaS Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving. If your plans for the holiday include alcohol, make sure you plan for a sober driver. Help us spread the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
 
“This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday, and that means more parties throughout the weekend,” said Torey Keltner, HPD’s traffic services section program manager. “We ask people to be more responsible about the safety of their friends, family and themselves.”
 
“If you’ve been drinking, make the smart choice to plan for a completely sober driver to get you and your friends home safely. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Hawai‘i Island police will have heightened enforcement this weekend to be on the lookout for impaired drivers. If you are caught driving under the influence of any substance, you will be arrested.”
 
Impaired driving is one of the most significant dangers on our island roadways. Last year there were 34 traffic fatalities on island, the highest number of deaths since 2012, when there were 38 traffic deaths. Of those 34 deaths, impairment a factor in half, or 17, of those deaths. In 2021 there were 26 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island, with 21 of those deaths due to impairment, either drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both.
 
While DUI arrests are down slightly so far this year, 211 compared with 231 during the same period last year, the number of major traffic crashes is increasing with 180 major crashes so far in 2023 compared with 146 during the same period last year. “Vehicle crashes are preventable, we just need to do our part, added Keltner. One of the easiest things we can do is to just not drive impaired in any way.” 
 
This is why Hawai‘i Police Department is working with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to the festivities, help us spread the word: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
 
 “Drunk drivers are a continuing problem on our nation’s roads, especially around days like St. Patrick’s Day,” said Keltner. “People need to know that they can go out for a night of fun and return home safely by ensuring they have a sober driver take them home. Don’t be the reason someone — including yourself — doesn’t get home. Don’t let St. Patrick’s Day become an anniversary of a tragic night.”
 
Party with a Plan
Before ever heading out, it’s vital to plan ahead. Be honest with yourself: You know whether you’ll be drinking or not. Follow these ideas to ensure you and your fellow partygoers stay safe.

• Plan ahead: If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make a smart decision, you might not. Before you have one drink, designate a sober driver who won’t be drinking.
• You have options: designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a rideshare service. Getting home safely is always worth it.
• If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact 911 or the police department’s non-emergency line (808) 935-3311.  
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and let a sober driver get your friend home safely.