As one of
the country’s most popular holidays, St. Patrick’s Day has long celebrated the
roots of millions of Americans with Irish ancestry. But all-too-often, the
celebration can turn deadly because of impaired driving. This year, if you’ll be
drinking alcohol, the Rock Island Police
Department has some advice for you: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over!”
“The RIPD will be on
patrol this St. Patrick’s Day, so make sure you obey the law,” said Chief Jeff VenHuizen. “Don’t drink and
drive, and don’t let your friends do it, either. Help us make Zero Fatalities a
Reality in Illinois.”
In addition to looking for alcohol-
and drug-impaired drivers, the RIPD
will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt
usage rates are lowest.
“Before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year, decide
whether you’ll drink or you’ll drive,” Chief VenHuizen said. “If you choose to
drink, designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely from the
party. If you’re planning on driving, don’t drink. The last thing you want is
to ride home with a cop.”
Chief VenHuizen said always designating a sober driver and not
letting friends drive drunk are just two simple steps to help avoid a tragic
crash or an arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of drugs and/or
alcohol.
Other important tips:
If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:
- Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if
someone you serve is involved in an impaired driving crash.
- Make sure all guests designate a sober driver in
advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
- Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic
beverages at the party.
- Keep the phone numbers for local cab companies handy,
and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.
If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day party:
- Designate a sober driver before the party begins and
give that person your keys.
- If you do not have a designated driver, ask a sober
friend for a ride home, call a cab, sober friend or family member to pick
you up or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
- Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they
are about to drive drunk.
- Always buckle up.
Pedestrians are at risk, too. If
you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. Designated drivers: Be alert for
impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.
The St. Patrick’s Day “Drive Sober
or Get Pulled Over” Crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is administered through the
Illinois Department of Transportation.