Published: March 15, 2010

Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk This St. Patrick's Day

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Don't Depend on Dumb Luck - Designate a Sober Driver Before the Party Begins

For many Americans, St. Patrick's Day has become a popular night out to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the large number of drunk drivers, the night out has also become very dangerous.

On St. Patrick's Day 2008, 37 percent of the drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local bar after work or attend a St. Patrick's Day Celebration, if you plan on using alcohol, never drive while impaired - and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired. It sounds simple, but it's true that Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk." said Sgt Chris Emery, supervisor of the Folsom Police Department Traffic Unit

Additional NHTSA statistics show that in 2008, there were 134 crash fatalities on St. Patrick's Day. Out of that number, 50 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

For more information contact Officer Paul Rice, Traffic Officer for the Folsom Police Department at (916)835-6803