Law enforcement across Minnesota is gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day revelers who drink too much and get behind the wheel. Donna Berger with the Department of Public Safety says the number of people arrested for DWI on St. Patrick’s Day typically goes up when the holiday falls on a weekend.
In the last six years, five people died on St. Patrick’s Day at the hands of a drunk driver. Berger is urging revelers to think and plan ahead for a sober ride. And she’s reminding partiers that a DWI can result in loss of license, thousands of dollars in costs and possible jail time.
Here is some helpful info from the DPS:
Sober Ride Options
- No matter how much you intend to drink, plan for a safe ride — designate a sober driver, take a cab/public transportation or stay at the location of the party.
- “Free Rides. Lucky You.” Metro transit will be offering free rides on buses, light rail and Northstar on St. Patrick’s Day from 6 p.m. – 3 a.m.
- If walking home from an establishment, use the buddy system and make sure each person in your party not only gets home safely but makes it inside their home without incident.
Prevent Drunk Driving
- Plan for a safe ride – designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation or stay at the location of the celebration.
- Speak Up – Offer to be a designated driver, or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere.
- Buckle up – the best defense against a drunk driver.
- Report drunk driving – call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.