If alcohol is part of your Saint Patrick’s Day plans, remember to plan ahead

Saint Patrick’s Day is Tuesday, and state officials are reminding Kentuckians to celebrate responsibly.

Ahead of the March 17 holiday, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and reminding Kentuckians that buzzed driving is drunk driving.

The KYTC says Kentuckians who plan on including alcohol in their Saint Patrick’s Day festivities should think ahead by arranging a safe ride or designated driver to keep themselves and others safe. The KYTC says over the past three years there have been 40 crashes statewide related to drunk drivers on Saint Patrick’s Day, with those crashes resulting in 17 injuries and one death.

The KYTC says you can help prevent tragedies by taking these steps:

-Plan a sober ride. If you drink at all, use a designated driver, public transit, or a ride-share service.
-Don’t walk impaired. Choose a sober companion and stay alert.
-Report dangerous driving. Make an anonymous call to the Kentucky State Police to report suspected drunk drivers.
-Step in for friends. Take the keys and help arrange a safe ride home. “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”
-Buckle up. Every trip, every time. Seat belts are the best defense against serious injury or death.

Visit the NHTSA’s website for more drunk driving statistics.