All too often, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations turn deadly because of impaired driving.
However you celebrate, make sure you and your friends stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day, by remembering one important piece of advice. If you’ll be drinking alcohol, using cannabis or any other impairing substance, remember, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI.”
“This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday, March 17, 2023, and that means more parties throughout the weekend,” said Whiteside County Sheriff John F. Booker. “If you’ve been drinking, using cannabis or any other impairing drug, make the smart choice….Plan for a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”
“We want everyone to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, but safe driving is everyone’s responsibility,” Sheriff Booker continued.
In addition to looking for alcohol and cannabis-impaired drivers, the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving, and all traffic laws will be strictly enforced.
“Before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, decide whether you’ll drink or you’ll drive, or whether you’ll use or you’ll drive. If you choose to drink or use cannabis, designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely.”
Always designating a sober driver and refusing to let friends drive drunk are just two, simple steps, to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.