As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reminds residents to celebrate responsibly and never drive impaired.
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest days on our nation’s roads. According to NHTSA between 2018 and 2022, during the St. Patrick’s Day period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18), 38% of all traffic fatalities involved drunk drivers. In 2022 alone, 74 lives were lost nationwide in alcohol-impaired crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period. Alarmingly, 49 of those fatalities involved drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or higher – nearly twice the legal limit.
Connecticut is not immune to the dangers of impaired driving. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, 130 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, representing approximately 35% of all roadway fatalities.
“St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration and community, and the safety of you and others depends on responsible choices. There is no excuse for drinking and driving,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Plan ahead and get home safely by designating a sober driver or arranging to use a ride-share service, taxi, or public transportation. This simple decision can save lives.”
“As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, the Connecticut State Police is reminding residents to plan for a safe and sober celebration. In partnership with local agencies and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, additional DUI enforcement efforts will be in place throughout the St. Patrick’s Day weekend to ensure the safety of our community members,” said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. “We encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities responsibly, but to also be aware of the dangers of driving under the influence. St. Patrick’s Day is a day for celebration, but we want to make sure that it’s also a safe day for everyone. If you’re planning to drink, plan for a sober ride home.”
“The luck of the Irish won’t help you this St. Patrick’s Day if you drive impaired. Connecticut’s police officers remind you to find a sober ride and to enjoy the holiday safely,” said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee.
CTDOT urges everyone to follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and festive holiday:
- Designate a sober driver before going out, or plan to use a ride-sharing service, taxi, or public transportation to get home safely.
- Prepare in advance by installing ride-sharing apps on your phone and saving local taxi numbers. Visit CTtransit.com for bus schedules or CTrail.com for train services across the state.
- Be a responsible friend by taking the keys away from anyone who is impaired and helping them find a sober ride home.
- See something, say something by calling 911 if you spot an impaired driver on the road.
Driving under the influence of alcohol not only puts the impaired driver at risk, but also endangers passengers, other road users, and the entire community. CTDOT and NHTSA are working together to remind everyone that buzzed driving is drunk driving. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely.
For more information on the dangers of impaired driving and how to keep our roads safe, visit nhtsa.gov.