Virginia State Police want to remind drivers to plan ahead for a safe trip home if you are out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
In 2024, there were six fatalities, 53 injuries and 87 crashes statewide involving alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
To further prevent traffic deaths and injuries during St. Patrick’s Day, the State Police will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., or Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort.
The state-sponsored, national program incorporates a three-day statistical counting period that concludes at midnight on March 17.
Drunk driving is not only deadly, it can also be costly, VSP warns.
If caught drinking and driving, you can face jail time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates and lost wages.
“The safety of our citizens is our top concern,” said Col. Matthew D. Hanley, superintendent of the Virginia State Police. “We encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to ensure there is a sober driver during the holiday and every day. By working together, we can keep our roadways safe.”
State Police offer tips for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
- Ensure you have a designated sober driver, a plan to use public transportation or a ride share service before any drinking begins.
- Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Be honest with yourself and know that even if you only plan on having one drink, you should plan on having a designated driver.
- Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly. Being under the influence can cause a lack of attention to surroundings and put pedestrians at risk of being hit by a vehicle.
- If you know someone who has been drinking and is about to drive, take the keys and make arrangements to get them home safely.
- If you are driving, keep an eye out for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users on the roadways.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, pull over safely and dial #77 on a cell phone or call 911.
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Crystal Graham
