March 11th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

Everybody may be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day* but nobody should drive drunk after celebrating Ireland’s patron saint this Saturday, March 17, 2012. “St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated saint’s days in the world, but all too often it shares that great distinction with a far lesser one—too many people are driving drunk and killing or maiming themselves and others on the road as a result,” said Sheriff Craig Robertson. 

Even if you think you’ve had only a few drinks and are just feeling ‘buzzed,’ don’t kid yourself, because Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 37 percent of the motor vehicle traffic fatalities during St. Patrick’s Day 2009 involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with blood alcohol content of .08 grams or above the legal level of intoxication established in every state. “Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or attending the Cumberland Hooley Pub Crawl, Frostburg City Shamrock Shuffle, and alcohol is part of the festivities, make sure you designate a sober driver to get you home safely, or contact your local cab company for a safe trip,” Sheriff Craig Robertson recommended.

The Sheriff recommends the following easy steps, for a safe St. Patrick’s Day.

1. Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin and designate a sober driver.

2. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.

3. 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. * St. Patrick’s Day is defined as the period from 6 p.m. on March 13 to 5:59 a.m. on March 18.