Don't push your luck on St. Patrick's Day; designate a sober driver
If you're donning the green on St. Patrick's Day and stepping out, then think before you drink.
After falling dramatically for five straight years, figures for 2011 indicate that deaths in California involving drinking and driving remained the same as 2010 with 774 — all because someone failed to designate a sober driver.
That’s why the California Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to designate a non-drinking driver or leave your car keys at home this St. Patrick’s Day holiday, or make arrangements for a safe trip home before the festivities even begin.
Last year at least three people were killed in California in alcohol-involved collisions and the CHP made more than 300 arrests statewide for DUI during the holiday —all of which could have been avoided by using a taxi, calling a sober friend or family member, or using public transportation to get home safely.
“Luck is not going to prevent drunk driving collisions from happening. Drivers making responsible decisions can prevent a needless tragedy,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “At the end of the day, a little bit of prevention can be the difference in saving a life.”
