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This St. Patrick’s Day, Plan Before You Party

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” says Orland Park Police Department

Orland Park, IL (March 8, 2024) – St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America date back to the country’s founding. All too often, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations turn deadly due to impaired driving. However you celebrate, make to stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day by remembering one important piece of advice: If you’ll be drinking alcohol, remember “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

To help keep the community safe, the Orland Park Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to spread the message about the dangers of impaired driving.

“This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday, and that means more parties as residents celebrate throughout the weekend,” said Orland Park Police Chief Eric Rossi. “If you’ve been drinking, make the smart choice and plan for a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely. Before you start your car, remind yourself: “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”

St. Patrick’s Day can be a dangerous one on America’s roads due to increased alcohol consumption and drunk driving. There were 272 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday between 2017 and 2021. “We want everyone to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, but safe driving is everyone’s responsibility,” Rossi continued.

In addition to looking for alcohol-impaired drivers, the Orland Park Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving and all traffic laws will be strictly enforced and the use of unmarked and covert police vehicles will be utilized.

“Before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year, decide whether you’ll drink or you’ll drive,” Rossi said. “If you choose to drink, designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely.”

Always designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for driving under the influence.

Other important tips:

• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you serve is involved in an impaired driving crash.
• Make sure all guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
• Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
• Keep the phone numbers for local cab or ride-share companies handy and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive drunk.
• Always buckle up.
• Remember that walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk home with you.
• Designated drivers: Be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.

The St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by IDOT.

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