The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the S.C. Department of Public Safety, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies across the state have partnered to keep motorists safe during the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
St. Patrick’s Day is Friday, March 17, and celebratory events are expected to occur throughout the weekend. Many will enjoy green beer and other alcoholic beverages, and Sheriff Barry Faile encourages everyone to act safely and responsibly behind the wheel and on the road.
Statistics tell the story. In 2020, a total of 11,654 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes on the nation’s highways. That works out to one death every 45 minutes.
Nighttime is particularly dangerous. The rate of alcohol impairment among drivers in fatal collisions was 3.1 times higher at night than during the daytime in 2020.
In 2020, 37 people were killed in alcohol-impaired wrecks over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18).
The consequences of drunk-driving wrecks are substantial to impaired drivers, their passengers, other motorists and pedestrians. Life-altering impacts can occur in a split second when an impaired person takes the wheel. People are injured and killed, and drunk drivers go to jail and perhaps spend years in prison. Economic losses in the form of medical costs, lost earnings, lawyer fees, fines and increased insurance costs pile up after an impaired-driving collision. It’s just not worth taking the chance.
“Avoiding these consequences is simple,” Faile said. “Don’t drink — anything — and drive a car. I hope everybody has a fun St. Patrick’s Day weekend. If you’re going to drink, be smart and plan ahead. Designate a driver who doesn’t drink anything or arrange safe transportation home with a sober driver or a ride share.
“Don’t let your buddy get behind the wheel if he’s had too much to drink. Take his keys and get him a safe and sober ride home. If you see someone you suspect to be under the influence on the road, notify law enforcement immediately,” he said.
“And, as always, obey speed limits, consider weather and road conditions, keep your cell phone in your pocket, and buckle up. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving!”
