With St. Patrick’s Day less than a week away, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reminding people to plan out sober rides in advance.
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17, is known for large festivals, parades, and parties that often include alcohol. Subsequently, it’s a day that typically sees an influx of drunk-driving-related incidents, according to KYTC. Last year, the agency reported 52 crashes statewide related to drunk drivers on St. Patrick’s Day, resulting in 37 injuries and seven fatalities.
“Even one drink can impair the way you drive,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said in an agency press release. “Having a plan in place beforehand to make sure you have a sober ride home is essential because ‘buzzed driving is drunk driving.’”
To mitigate potential tragedies, KYTC recently published a list of safety measures and recommendations related to drunk-driving:
- Remember that it is never OK to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver, plan to use public transportation or a ride booking service to get home safely.
- Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home and use caution if walking while intoxicated. While you may be doing the right thing by not drinking and driving, risks still exist.
- If you see a drunk driver, contact law enforcement. You may dial the Kentucky State Police toll-free line directly at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.
- Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
- Wear a seat belt while in a vehicle. It is not only the law; it is the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.