Here is some good advice from the Virginia State Police... Loudoun County motorists are warned not to depend on dumb luck by drinking and driving this St. Patrick?s Day (today!).
The St. Patrick?s Day holiday has become a popular night out and theme for weekend festivities with friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the large number of drunk drivers, the holiday has also become a dangerous one.
On St. Patrick?s Day 2009, 37 percent of the drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes nationwide had a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or above, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). National statistics also show that in 2009, there were 103 traffic fatalities on St. Patrick?s Day.
To help safeguard Virginia?s highways and motorists from impaired drivers, Virginia State Police will be deploying DUI patrols and checkpoints throughout the Commonwealth on St. Patrick?s Day and continuing through the weekend.
Loudoun County drives are encouraged to take the following easy steps, for a safe St. Patrick?s Day:
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
- If you?re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
- Motorists in Loudoun County, and Northern Virginia, can take advantage of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program?s (WRAP) Sober Ride program at 1-800-200-TAXI.
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don?t hesitate to dial #77 to notify your nearest Virginia State Police Emergency Communications Center.
- And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
Let's be safe out there folks!
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