Ahh … St. Patrick’s Day: An opportunity to enjoy gatherings with friends and enjoy a glass or two, especially welcome in a week marking two years since COVID’s life has been disrupted.
But as with most observations that focus on society, the st. Patrick’s Day with a stern warning: Do not drink and drive.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police earlier this week selected Delaware County as the site for a press conference warning about the devastating effects of driving after drinking st.
According to preliminary PennDOT data, during the 2021 st.
National statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Monitoring Department have shown that in 2019, which was pre-pandemic and possibly indicative of the socialization that was expected in the 2022 endemic era, 57 people were involved in alcohol-related accidents across St. Louis. Day period March 16 to March 18.
The security group categorized the st. During the St. Patrick’s Day Period 2015-2019 (16 March 18.00 to 5.59 hours on 18 March) 280 lives were lost in alcohol driving. In 2019, alcohol in the car killed more than 10,000 people in the United States
Between the hours of midnight and 5:59 p.m. Patrick’s Day Period 2019, more than half (63%) of accidental deaths involved an alcoholic driver.
Those who go home after a night of drinking alcohol are also at risk. In 2019, 32 percent of pedestrians killed in road accidents had blood alcohol levels (BACs) at or above .08.
At the Delaware County event, PennDOT and state police were assisted by district attorneys, Upland Borough Police Department, AAA, and the Pennsylvania DUI Association for regional disability research efforts during St. Louis.
“We understand that people are looking for a reason to celebrate, and we want our community members to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, but we also want to emphasize to everyone the importance of safe driving,” said Shawn Noonan, Regional DUI Program Administrator of the Pennsylvania DUI Association. “Please do not let the fatal consequences of alcohol and drug abuse drive the festivities of St. Gallen. Ruining Patrick’s Day; make a plan to come home. “
“We do not say drink alcohol,” said Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County District Attorney, “but when you drink, the key is to move on. In today’s world of ride-sharing apps, there is simply no excuse for this. Destroying vacations by driving disabled people and endangering people’s lives.
“If you’re the designated driver, make sure you do not drink so you can keep that promise of safety to yourself and your passengers. … people trust you,” said Krys Johnson, PennDOT Safety Press Officer.
Advocates against the drink emphasize the importance of planning ahead. Decisions about how to get home made during or after drinking are aggravated by impaired judgment.
Remember that it’s never okay to drink and drive. Designated drivers should avoid drinking alcohol as the disability begins with the first drink. Get a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact Liability.
Do you have a friend who has been drinking and driving? Take away the keys and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
Pedestrians are reminded to practice safe behavior, including designating a “sober walker” to ensure that all parties arrive safely at their destination.
Two years after blockades and mask mandates disabled holidays, St. Patrick’s Day with restaurants and pubs open for shops is a welcome sight. But the dangers of drinking and driving remain an ominous threat to safety.
Go Irish for a day; celebrate, and raise that glass, if so inclined. But pay attention to the advice of safety experts and do not drive after drinking. Instead, live as the Irish say with “the wind at your back and the sun shining warm on your face,” today at St. Patrick’s Day and always.
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