From SAFE COMMUNITIES OF WOOD COUNTY
St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and Safe Communities of Wood County is urging residents to be safe – don’t drink and drive. The St. Patrick’s Day danger zone is considered a festive atmosphere brought on by a holiday that often creates a deadly reality on roads.
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving remains a main factor in holiday deaths:
- Between 2019 and 2023, almost 38% of all traffic deaths during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday involved a person driving drunk, resulting in 284 preventable deaths.
- During the 2023 holiday, 63 individuals died in drunk driving crashes.
- Of those 2023 deaths, 44 victims died in crashes involving a driver with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher, almost double the legal limit.
These numbers demonstrate a dangerous trend – many drivers are not “slightly buzzed,” they are severely impaired, according to NHTSA. Law enforcement will be on high alert in 2026 to stop these drivers before tragedy strikes.
To help make sure everyone gets home safely and still enjoys themselves, drivers are urged to follow these tips, according to NHTSA:
- Plan before the party.
- Do not wait until people have started drinking to find a ride – get a designated driver or use a taxi or rideshare service.
- Hand over the keys.
- People should give their keys to a sober friend or family member if they have been drinking.
- Be a good friend.
- If someone sees a person who has been drinking trying to get behind the wheel, they should take the person’s keys and help them get a safe way home.
- Report impaired drivers.
- If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact 911 or #677.
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
