Plan for a Sober Driver This St. Patrick’s Day - Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

From Police Department

Although Irish in its roots, St. Patrick’s Day is most widely celebrated in the United States. To help keep your community’s streets safe, The Franklin Lakes Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving. If your plans for the holiday include alcohol, make sure you plan for a sober driver. Help us spread the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

“This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday, and that means more parties throughout the weekend,” said Captain Mark McCombs. “If you’ve been drinking, make the smart choice to 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.”

Party with a Plan

• Before ever heading out, it’s vital to plan ahead. Be honest with yourself: You know whether you’ll be drinking or not. Follow these ideas to ensure you and your fellow partygoers stay safe.
• Plan ahead: If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make a smart decision, you might not. Before you have one drink, designate a sober driver who won’t be drinking.
• You have options: designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a rideshare service. Getting home safely is always worth it
• If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, Dial 911 to call your local Police Department.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and let a sober driver get your friend home safely.

St. Patrick’s Day Drinking and Driving Prevention announcement.