Each year before St. Patrick’s Day, Oregon law enforcement urges everyone going out to celebrate to designate a sober driver before going, get home safely after the celebration, and don’t take the chance of being pulled over for drunk driving.
“Unfortunately, one of the most widely celebrated days of the year all too often shares the distinction of being associated with a sadder reality—- too many people are driving drunk and endangering themselves and others on the road,” said OSP Sergeant Greg Plummer, DUII/SFST Program Coordinator. “Don’t risk hurting or killing yourself or someone else. Even if you’ve had just a few drinks, don’t kid yourself into thinking you can be lucky enough to get home.”
Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, ODOT, and the Oregon Health Authority’s Addictions and Mental Health Division recommend the following precautions to help everyone enjoy a safe St. Patrick’s Day:
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin and designate a sober driver.
- If you decide to drink once you’re out, use a taxi, an Uber, or a Lyft, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, contact your local law enforcement by calling 9-1-1 or 1-800-24-DRUNK.
- If you are hosting a party, serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- And remember, 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.
We urge you to celebrate sensibly and don’t take the risk of harming yourself or others in a traffic accident.