Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving. Don't rely on dumb luck this St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s not the luck of the

Irish that will keep the roads safe – it’s planning ahead for a safe and

sober way home.

For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out for

drinking and celebrating with friends and family. Unfortunately, some of

these people might also be driving home from their festivities and

therefore, the night out has also become potentially dangerous.

On St. Patrick’s Day 2009, 37 percent of the drivers and motorcyclists

involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above,

according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration (NHTSA).

Safety Tips for you to consider:

• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you leave for your event.

• Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the

phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the

party.

Even if you will not be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day, keep in mind

that in 2009, 1,119 occupants of *other *vehicles were killed in crashes

involving alcohol-impaired drivers, so pay attention to others on the road.

And remember, you don’t have to be “falling down drunk” to be too impaired

to drive safely.** Even a few drinks can impair driving…and a buzzed driving

crash has the same consequences as a drunk driving crash.

NHTSA needs your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this St.

Patrick’s Day by spreading the word that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please

consider posting the attached poster to your blog or even your Facebook

wall. 

Follow Buzzed Driving on Facebook and  Twitter

This post is being sponsored through the Global Influence Social Campaign!

Remember: Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving. Don't rely on dumb luck this St.

Patrick's Day. Plan ahead and ask your loved ones to do the same.