As St. Patrick's Day quickly approaches, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers not to get behind the wheel if they've been drinking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports from 2006 to 2010 more than 700 people were killed nationwide in crashes involving a drunk driver during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

 “Whether you are gathering with friends at the local pub or attending nearby parades or concerts, if alcohol is part of the festivities, make sure you designate a sober driver to get you home safely, or contact a local sober ride program or taxi for a safe ride home,” said Sheriff Duane Piper.

According to NHTSA, on average, every 51 minutes a person is killed in a drunk-driving crash in the United States and the majority of these crashes involve drunk drivers who have blood alcohol concentrations of .15 grams per deciliter or higher, almost twice the legal limit of .08 g/dL.  

Lt. Bill Franco, Assistant Commander of the Sheriff’s Office Uniform Patrol Section advises, “We will have additional traffic officers working this St. Patrick’s Day weekend who will be on the lookout for drivers under the influence or those driving aggressively or recklessly.”

To prevent these crimes and any tragedies from occurring, he recommends the following steps to have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

• Before drinking, 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 to get home safely.

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1 or non-emergency dispatch at (770) 781-3087.

• And remember, if you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

For more information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. 

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