News

March 16, 2010
Don't Depend on Dumb Luck
AAA Mid-Atlantic and the Virginia State Police Urge Motorists to Drive Responsibly This St. Patrick's Day

RICHMOND, VA – As there will be many celebrations throughout the Commonwealth this week, AAA Mid-Atlantic and the Virginia State Police are joining together to urge the public to help keep the streets safe this St. Patrick’s Day by drinking responsibly and designating a sober driver before heading to the local pub or a party. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on St. Patrick’s Day 2008, nationwide 37 percent of traffic fatalities during the holiday involved a drunk driver. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2008 there were 45 alcohol-related crashes on Virginia roadways during the holiday.

“St. Patrick’s Day is supposed to be a time to celebrate Irish heritage and gather with friends, but it can quickly end in tragedy due to impaired driving,” said Martha M. Meade, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “There is no depending on luck when you get behind the wheel of a car when you have been drinking. Not dumb luck, not the luck of the Irish, not even your lucky shamrock can keep you safe. Designate a driver to ensure that you are once again celebrating next March 17th and can raise a glass to the memories of fun St. Patrick’s Days past and not to the memories of lost loved ones.”

To help avoid the dangers associated with drinking and driving, AAA Mid-Atlantic and the Virginia State Police offer the following tips:

If you’re venturing out to an Irish pub or attending a St. Patrick’s Day party, plan ahead.

• If you plan to drive, don’t drink.
• If you plan to drink, pre-select your designated driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come get you; or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.

If you’re hosting the party where alcohol is being served, be a responsible host.

• Have food and non-alcoholic beverages available.
• Remember that it takes 40 minutes or longer for alcohol from a drink to be absorbed.
• Take note of who’s coming, who drinks, and who drives.
• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
• Stop serving alcohol at least an hour before your guests start to leave for home
• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.