Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) — As St. Patrick’s Day celebrations begin across Alabama, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is reminding residents that buzzed driving is drunk driving. Officials urge partygoers to plan a sober ride home to avoid the dangers of alcohol-impaired driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 38% of St. Patrick’s Day traffic fatalities from 2018-2022 involved drunk drivers. In 2022 alone, 74 people died in alcohol-related crashes during the holiday period, with 34% of impaired-driving fatalities involving drivers aged 21-34.
“Feeling buzzed and getting behind the wheel puts lives at risk,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety. “We’re partnering with NHTSA to remind everyone: Drinking and driving is not an option.”
Authorities encourage drivers to designate a sober driver, use rideshare services, or stay where they are if they’ve been drinking. If someone is seen driving under the influence, officials advise reporting it to law enforcement.
For more safety tips, visit www.alea.gov.
