Coalition Offers St. Patty's' Day Safety Tips

In Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is a religious holiday. In the U.S., it's primarily a day to wear green, pinch those who are not, and very often for some, drinking alcohol in excess. Unfortunately, this sometimes results in those people getting behind the wheel of a car. That's where the fun ends and a potentially deadly situation begins. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 31 people died in drunken-driving crashes on St. Patrick's Day in 2013 (NHTSA.gov).

To ensure your own safety and that of those around you today, Phillips County Coalition for Healthy Choices has brought you safety recommendations from NHTSA. Use the following tips to help ensure the safety of everyone around you.

♣ Before celebrating, plan your way home.

♣ Designate a sober driver in advance and leave your keys at home.

♣ If you're impaired, call a taxi or public transportation (if available in your area), or a sober friend or family member

♣ If you see a drunken driver on the road, call the police. You could save a life!

♣ If you know someone who is about to drive drunk, take their keys and help them make arrangements to get home safely.

♣ Never ride in a vehicle with an impaired driver.

Also, if you're hosting a party:

♣ Make sure your guests designate a sober driver in advance.

♣ Serve food and nonalcoholic drinks.

♣ Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party.

♣ Keep the phone number of local taxi services on hand.

♣ Remember that you can be held liable if someone you served winds up in a drunken-driving accident.

♣ Never provide alcohol to a minor.

♣ Parents or others who provide alcohol to those under 21, or host a party where alcohol is available to those under 21, could face a fine and jail time.

Following these helpful tips will keep you and your loved ones safe as you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. For more information about drinking and driving prevention efforts in Phillips County, contact Carol Smith at (406) 654-2378.