The Connecticut Dept of Transportation and AAA Northeast put out messages about driving sober on St. Patrick’s day.
Connecticut Dept of Transportation urges everyone to follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and festive holiday:
- Designate a sober driver before going out, or plan to use a ride-sharing service, taxi, or public transportation to get home safely.
- Prepare in advance by installing ride-sharing apps on your phone and saving local taxi numbers. Sign up for alerts and visit your transit provider’s website for schedule details.
- Be a responsible friend by taking the keys away from anyone who is impaired and helping them find a sober ride home.
- See something, say something by calling 911 if you spot an impaired driver on the road.
“St. Patrick’s Day is a time for fun and celebration, but it can also be one of the deadliest times of the year on the road,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “No amount of luck can protect you if you drive impaired. Have a plan for a sober ride home and help ensure everyone enjoys the holiday safely.”
- “Before you begin celebrating, it’s critical to plan ahead and designate a sober driver,” said said Lauren Fabrizi, spokesperson for AAA Northeast.
AAA offers the following tips to ensure a safe St. Patrick’s Day:
- Plan your ride home before you have even one drink. Consider designating a sober family member or friend, taking a taxi or rideshare service or using public transit.
- Offer nonalcoholic drink options for your guests. Encourage them to stay overnight if they plan on drinking.
- Take the role of designated driver seriously and don’t drink.
- Remove the keys from any family member or friend who is impaired and help them get a sober ride home.
Stay extra vigilant when driving, especially in the evening and overnight when most drunk driving crashes occur. Call 911 immediately if you spot a suspected impaired driver on the road.
Mock field sobriety test at GHShs safe driving day. File photo