SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement remind you to plan ahead for a sober ride home before partaking in any St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. When you know how you’ll get home after the revelry ends, you – and those around you – are more likely to end the night safely with your luck intact.
“Don’t push your luck this St. Patrick’s Day by driving impaired,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Plan ahead for a safe celebration and don’t let anyone get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking or using drugs. Take their keys away and make sure they have a safe ride home. It might be the difference between a memorable celebration or a tragedy that could have easily been avoided by making the right choice.”
Through March 18, ISP and local law enforcement will be conducting various enforcement operations, including roadside safety checks, seat belt enforcement zones and dedicated patrols. These efforts will focus on enforcing DUI laws, seat belt compliance, speeding, distracted driving and other traffic safety violations.
“St. Patrick's Day is considered one of the top drinking holidays,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen. “It is also a time when we see a higher number of drunk and impaired drivers. ISP troopers will be actively patrolling for intoxicated drivers, so make sure you have a plan to get home safely if you drink, or your luck could run out."
Follow these simple steps to enjoy a safe St. Patrick’s Day.
If you are hosting a party:
Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served is involved in an impaired driving crash.
Make sure all your guests designate their sober drivers in advance or help arrange ride sharing with other sober drivers.
Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Keep information on cabs and ride-sharing services handy. Take keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving impaired.
If you are attending a party:
Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
Ask a sober friend or family member for a ride, call a cab, take public transportation, use a ride-sharing service or stay where you are until you are sober.
Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive impaired.
Always buckle up – it is your best defense against an impaired driver.
The St. Patrick’s Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are made possible through federal funds administered by IDOT and coincide with the comprehensive “It’s Not a Game” multimedia campaign.