MADISON CO. -- If you have plans to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Thursday, start thinking about getting a ride home if you plan to drink.
Madison County Sheriff's deputies want to make sure you stay safe during what, they say, has become a very dangerous holiday.
According to statistics by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), 37 percent of drivers and motorcyclists involved in deadly crashes in 2009 had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. Statistics also show there were 103 deadly crashes nationwide in 2009 on St. Patrick's Day. Of those, 47 people were killed in crashes where a driver was drunk.
"Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or attending any of the many parades and activities that will be taking place, if you plan on using alcohol, never drive while impaired-and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired," said Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley.
Madison County's Sheriff and the County's STOP DWI Coordinator have these tips for a safe St. Patrick's Day:
*Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
*Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home
*If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely
*Use your community's Sober Rides program
*If you happen to see or suspect a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement
*If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
"Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk," said Sheriff Riley. "Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be really significant. Don't depend on dumb luck this St. Patrick's Day. Designate your sober driver before the party begins."
