LANSING, MI – Whether your favorite drink is Irish whisky or green beer, two things that should never mix on St. Patrick’s Day are drinking and driving. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) urge St. Patrick’s Day revelers to plan ahead to keep themselves and others safe when celebrating, including during the weekend leading up to St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 17, when celebrations may begin early.
“Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day responsibly. If you choose to drink, designate a driver or arrange a safe ride home, and never drive under the influence. Have a plan to get home safely and enjoy the celebration without putting yourself or others at risk,” said Kristin Beltzer, Chair of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest holidays on the roads due to drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 38% of traffic deaths on St. Patrick’s Day involve drunk driving. Between 2018 to 2022, there were 290 alcohol-related traffic fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day. In 2022 alone, 74 fatalities were tied to alcohol-impaired driving.
Those celebrating should plan ahead if they intend to drink and arrange a safe ride home before festivities begin. Waiting until after drinking to decide how to get home can lead to poor judgment, as alcohol impairment clouds decision-making. Secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare service for a sage ride home.
Reminders for safe St. Patrick’s Day celebrations:
- Never binge drink, generally defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in a two-hour period.
- Have a pre-set limit. Remember that no one can force you to have "just one more" – or even one drink.
- Have a plan before leaving home for how you’ll get back safely. Designate a sober driver to drive you home or arrange for rideshare services by booking an Uber or Lyft through a phone app.
- Never let a friend drive drunk. Take the keys away and arrange a safe way for them to get home.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911 to reach law enforcement.
The MLCC also reminds liquor licensees of their responsibilities to keep customers safe by checking IDs, serving only those of legal drinking age, and avoiding overservice. Licensees must also maintain order and monitor their establishment's capacity limits to avoid overcrowding that could lead to obstructed exits and create safety or fire hazards.
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