Crime & Safety

'Kiss Me; I'm Sober' St. Pat's Day Campaign Under Way

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will host a Twitter chat on the dangers of "buzzed" driving Tuesday, March 12 at 2 p.m.

Every year, thousands of lives are lost due to impaired driving on holidays, and  St. Patrick’s Day is no exception.

More than 700 people died on the nation's highways between 2006-2010 on St. Patrick’s Day because of drunk driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the hopes of keeping green beer consumption down to a reasonable level this year, the NHTSA will host a Twitter chat Tuesday, March 12 at 2 p.m. on the dangers of buzzed and drunk driving. NHTSA safety experts will be on hand to answer questions and share facts and tips to stay safe this St. Patrick's Day. Follow the hash tag #buzzeddriving.

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According to the NHTSA:

  • A person is killed every 51 minutes from drunk driving.
  • In 2010 129 people died on St. Patrick’s Day because of drunk driving.
  • Plan a safe way home BEFORE the party starts.
  • If you see someone driving buzzed on the road, call your local law enforcement.

Even so-called "buzzed" driving can have devastating results, according to the NHTSA. Although the driver may not be falling-down drunk, a buzzed driver reacts slower, has a skewed perception and may take unnecessary risks.

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And, like drunk driving, getting pulled over while buzzed can result in jail time and loss of driver’s license.


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