St Patrick’s Day frequently involve leprechauns, shamrocks, good luck, and wearing shades of green. With this holiday come fun, festive celebrations, which unfortunately bring some of the highest rates of drunk driving.
Many St. Paddy’s Day festivities will occur today and throughout the weekend. During this period, extra law enforcement will be out in force nationwide and they will be looking to crack down on impaired drivers.
Remember that a DUI is more than just a party foul. You could be looking at driver’s license suspension, large fines, jail time, the long term impacts of a criminal record, and much worse. You do not want your celebration to be overshadowed by tragedy. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts at risk your own life and the lives of others.
Before you set out to celebrate, please review our party planning tips to help you stay safe.
*Party Planning Tips:
- Designate a sober driver. If you are the designated driver, don’t drink.
- Plan ahead: Save the number of a taxi or rideshare company in your phone so you will always have a backup plan.
- Consider using smartphone apps like Lyft or Uber.
- Consider a limo or party bus if you are going out with a large group of drinkers.
- If you have been drinking, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, use a rideshare company, or use public transportation to get home safely.
- If you know others who are about to drive under the influence, help them make other arrangements to get home safely.
It is also essential to be prepared. If you do find yourself in a situation where you are driving under the influence and being pulled over, you should know how to handle it.
*Tips for what to do if you are stopped for suspicion of DUI:
- Be polite to the officer.
- Don’t answer any questions. Politely tell the officer you don’t wish to make any statements and you want to speak to an attorney. Admission can be used against you later in court, but your silence or request for counsel cannot.
- Don’t complete field tests. These tests are voluntary and you should tell the officer you decline any voluntary tests. The officer is looking for evidence against you and it is never a good idea to give it to them.