Make Sure Your Luck Doesn’t Run Out this St. Patrick’s Day

Jackson, Miss. – St. Patrick’s Day is holiday celebrated by over 34 million Americans with Irish heritage and many more who join in on the festivities. With its growth in popularity comes an increase in alcohol-related crashes around this time.

Between 2011 and 2015 there were 252 deaths due to alcohol-related crashes in the United States between the hours of 6 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day evening to 6 a.m. the next morning. With over 10,000 deaths a year in our country due to drunk driving, the consequences are too severe to test your luck.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) encourages everyone to have a fun but safe St. Patrick’s Day. If you plan to drink this St. Patrick’s Day, assign a designated driver or alternate way home other than driving after drinking.

“The loss of even one life due to drunk driving is tragic,” said MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath. “MDOT is one of many organizations that are working together towards zero deaths on Mississippi highways. The thing to remember is that deaths due to drunk driving are completely preventable if everyone commits to not getting behind the wheel after they drink.”

Whether it’s the Silky O’ Sullivan St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Memphis or the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and 5k Run in Biloxi on March 11, or the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade and Festival in Jackson on March 18, make sure you have a plan in place to get home after the festivities.

Driving while intoxicated can be extremely dangerous, but walking while intoxicated can be dangerous as well, especially around major roadways. If you are a designated driver, commit to not drinking and getting your friends or family home safely. Even one drink can impair your judgement and make it dangerous to drive.

“MDOT wants everyone to enjoy their St. Patrick’s Day,” McGrath said. “If you plan to drink, arrange a safe way home before the festivities begin.”

Don’t test your luck. This St. Patrick’s Day and everyday commit to not driving under the influence. Arrange a way home before you begin to drink or commit to not drinking.

Zero deaths on highways should be the goal for Mississippi. For more information on “Moving Mississippi Towards Zero Deaths,” visit GoMDOT.com/TZD.

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The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network that enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.