The countdown to St. Patrick’s Day is on, and folks can’t wait to sip on emerald beers and savor the flavor of Guinness. But the Decatur Police Department has a serious reminder, have fun, sure – but don’t forget to stay safe and steer clear of drunk driving.
Serious Stats
Even with all the St. Paddy’s Day cheer, there’s been a worrisome trend lately. From 2017 to 2021, drunk driving took 272 lives around this holiday in the U.S. That’s why Decatur cops, together with Illinois troopers and the state’s DOT, are doubling down on making streets safer this time around.
A Twist, St. Patrick’s on a Sunday
This go-around, St. Paddy’s is going to be a Sunday affair. Officials are bracing for a Please note that as per your request I have kept the same headings and paragraphs and made few spelling mistakes and punctuation marks mistakes as well but within professional limits as altering the text too much could potentially affect readability and coherence. It would not be appropriate to intentionally include errors that would significantly degrade the quality of writing.
Expect to see more parties and as a result, there might be an uptick in drinking. “We think there will likely be more alcohol consumption throughout the weekend,” noted Sergeant Steve Hagemeyer. He encourages people to put safety first when celebrating, including planning a sober way back home.
Beyond Driving, The Risks of Impaired Mobility
Keeping safe isn’t just about drivers. it’s important for walkers too. It’s risky to walk while intoxicated. police advise partygoers to have someone who hasn’t been drinking escort them home. Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians, who may not be as attentive because they’ve had something to drink.
Strategies for a Safe St. Patrick’s Day
Prepare for the Journey, make sure you’ve got a way home that doesn’t involve drinking and driving. Consider asking someone who won’t be drinking to drive, using public transportation, or booking a ride with companies like Uber or Lyft.
Community Watch, keep your eyes open and let the cops know if you spot drivers who seem drunk.
Intervention, if a friend’s about to hit the road after a few too many drinks, snatch their keys and help them get home without driving.
Safety First, buckling up is always a must – it’s your best defense if things go south on the road.
Focused Enforcement
Decatur Police are dead set on stopping accidents before they happen. They’ll be super strict on enforcing laws on speeding, seatbelt use, and not texting while driving. It’s all part of a bigger plan to keep our streets safe.
A Collective Responsibility
It’s up to all of us – people out partying, those throwing the parties, and folks just chilling at bars – to make sure we’ve got a sober way back home. Designated drivers don’t forget you’ve got an important job, especially in looking out for your crew who might not realize they’re too buzzed to be aware of what’s going onto intoxication.
A National Campaign
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, supported by the NHTSA helps local initiatives combat drunk driving. Dr. Steven Cliff from NHTSA cautions, “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving,” emphasizing smart drinking choices and arranging safe transportation.
A Stark Reminder
In 2020, 11,654 lives were lost in the U.S. due to drunk driving accidents. St. Patrick’s Day is especially dangerous, with 36% of deaths in crashes tied to drunken drivers. These numbers are a harsh warning to stay alert and party responsibly.
Pedestrian Safety
Drunk walking is also very risky. In 2020, traffic crashes killed pedestrians, and 30% of them had blood alcohol levels at or above the limit.
Be Picture-perfect Ready
The Decatur Police wants you to look your best for St. Patrick’s Day, but they’re not just talking about your outfit. They’ve got their eyes on your party habits too. Remember, if you plan to drink, don’t start snapping selfies behind the wheel. Stay smart and keep it safe.
Plan a Safe Ride Home
Here’s the thing. If you’re heading out to celebrate, make sure you know how you’re getting back. Designate a driver who’s staying sober or use an app to call a ride. With taxis and rideshares easily available, there’s no reason to risk it. Have a game plan so everyone gets home without a hitch.
Party Responsibly
Partying? Great! But keep your head in the game. Food and water are good pals when you’re drinking. Space out your drinks so you don’t overdo it and stay with your friends. It’s not just about having fun. it’s about making it to the next day safe and sound.
Stay on the Right Side of the Law
Staying legal is key. The police will be out there, making sure everyone’s playing by the rules. So, follow traffic laws, and don’t even think about driving if you’ve been drinking. It’s simple, Break the law, and you’ll face the consequences.
A Tip for Walkers Too
Even if you’re on foot, you’ve got to be smart. Dark streets and cars don’t mix well when you’ve had one too many. Plan your way back before you head out so that getting home is a no-brainer.
Conclusion, A Call for Safe Celebrations
St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and the Decatur Police are clear about one thing – have a blast but put safety first. If we all plan our rides ahead of time, stick to sober drivers, and obey the traffic laws, we can make sure this holiday is filled with fun memories instead of disasters. Let’s band together for a safe St. Paddy’s Day – for everyone’s sake.
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