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), is reminding everyone to plan ahead, celebrate responsibly, and always have a safe and sober way to get home.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year on March 17, and the surrounding holiday period remains one of the most dangerous times for alcohol-impaired driving. According to NHTSA, 284 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period from 2019 to 2023. In 2023 alone, during that holiday period, 63 people died in drunk-driving crashes.
Connecticut is not immune to the dangers of impaired driving. In Connecticut in 2023, the most recent year with verified data, 113 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes – representing 37% of all fatalities that year.
“St. Patrick’s Day is a time for fun and celebration, but it can also be one of the deadliest times of the year on the road,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “No amount of luck can protect you if you drive impaired. Have a plan for a sober ride home and help ensure everyone enjoys the holiday safely.”
“CSP recognizes that St. Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate heritage with friends and family,” said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. “As always, our priority is to put safety first. So please, ditch the distractions while driving and never drive impaired.”
“If your St. Patrick’s Day plans include celebrating with alcohol, please remember to designate a sober driver,” said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. “Let’s keep the luck going by keeping our roadways safe. Celebrate responsibly and help make St. Patrick’s Day fun and safe for everyone.”
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. Sign up for alerts and visit your transit provider’s website for schedule details.
- 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 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.