Don’t Count On Luck This St. Patrick’s Day

Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is urging everyone in Rhode Island whose plans include alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day to plan ahead for a non-drinking driver to get them home safely. Don’t count on luck to keep yourself and everyone around you safe — choose to be a designated rider.

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, more people could be on the road to celebrate. Law enforcement across the country will be in full force with the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to arrest anyone who makes the dangerous decision to drink and drive.

“Be a designated rider this St. Patrick’s Day if you plan to drink alcohol,” said MADD RI Executive Director Eric Creamer. “Plan ahead to have your non-drinking friend, rideshare service or public transportation drive you home safe and sound.”

According to data from NHTSA, there were 19 fatalities on Rhode Island roadways in 2016 that were associated with alcohol. That is 37% of all traffic deaths, which is one of the highest rates in the country.

“With all of the options available, there is no excuse to get behind the wheel while impaired,” said Creamer.

Drunk driving is the leading killer on our roads and claims the lives of more than 10,000 people in the United States each year. Every single one of those deaths is preventable. With all the options today — rideshare apps, such as Uber, taxis, public transportation or family and friends who have not consumed alcohol — there’s no excuse to drink and drive.