Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving: Make a Plan Before St. Patrick’s Day Festivities Begin
From Police Department
St. Patrick’s Day 2025 celebrations will take place across the country on and around Monday, March 17. The Franklin Lakes Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges drivers to remember that drinking and driving is deadly and never an option. Join the Franklin Lakes Police Department and NHTSA in sharing this message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Every year, alcohol-impaired driving casts a shadow over the festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by taking the lives of community and family members across America. According to NHTSA, 38% (290) of the traffic fatalities that occurred during the St. Patrick’s Day holidays (6 p.m. March 16–5:59 a.m. March 18) between 2018-2022 involved drunk drivers. In 2022 alone, there were 74 drunk-driving fatalities during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, of which 49 involved drivers with a blood alcohol level of almost twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC). In 2022 drivers ages 21-34 (34%) were the age group most involved in alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities during this holiday, followed by drivers under 21 (30%). The rates of passenger car drivers and motorcyclists involved in these fatal drunk-driving crashes were 34% and 41%, respectively.
“Embracing St. Patrick’s Day and its traditions is one thing; engaging in the deadly behavior that is drinking and driving is another. Feeling buzzed and getting behind the wheel puts lives at risk,” reminds Chief Mark McCombs. As law enforcement officers, we witness firsthand the devastation and loss caused by alcohol-impaired driving, along with the lasting pain it inflicts on families, friends, and entire communities. We’re partnering with NHTSA to share the reminder that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Drinking and driving is not an option, but making sure someone sober will be behind the wheel is,” he said.
Drivers should be safe during St. Patrick’s Day by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Alcohol impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
“If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely,” said Sergeant Denny Knubel. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact your local law enforcement agency by dialing 911.
Drive 100% sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
St. Patrick’s Day 2025 celebrations will take place across the country on and around Monday, March 17. The Franklin Lakes Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges drivers to remember that drinking and driving is deadly and never an option. Join the Franklin Lakes Police Department and NHTSA in sharing this message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Every year, alcohol-impaired driving casts a shadow over the festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day by taking the lives of community and family members across America. According to NHTSA, 38% (290) of the traffic fatalities that occurred during the St. Patrick’s Day holidays (6 p.m. March 16–5:59 a.m. March 18) between 2018-2022 involved drunk drivers. In 2022 alone, there were 74 drunk-driving fatalities during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, of which 49 involved drivers with a blood alcohol level of almost twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC). In 2022 drivers ages 21-34 (34%) were the age group most involved in alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities during this holiday, followed by drivers under 21 (30%). The rates of passenger car drivers and motorcyclists involved in these fatal drunk-driving crashes were 34% and 41%, respectively.
“Embracing St. Patrick’s Day and its traditions is one thing; engaging in the deadly behavior that is drinking and driving is another. Feeling buzzed and getting behind the wheel puts lives at risk,” reminds Chief Mark McCombs. As law enforcement officers, we witness firsthand the devastation and loss caused by alcohol-impaired driving, along with the lasting pain it inflicts on families, friends, and entire communities. We’re partnering with NHTSA to share the reminder that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Drinking and driving is not an option, but making sure someone sober will be behind the wheel is,” he said.
Drivers should be safe during St. Patrick’s Day by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Alcohol impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
“If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely,” said Sergeant Denny Knubel. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact your local law enforcement agency by dialing 911.
Drive 100% sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.