The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminded residents on March 12 to arrange sober transportation during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to prevent drunk driving and ensure safety.
Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray said, “This St. Patrick’s Day, we ask that everyone does their part to make sure you are keeping yourself and your fellow Kentuckians safe. If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to get home safely.”
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to emphasize that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.” The cabinet reported that over the past three years, there were 40 crashes statewide related to drunk driving on St. Patrick’s Day, resulting in 17 injuries and one fatality. Last year, approximately 14 percent of deaths on Kentucky roadways were attributed to drunk drivers.
Officials outlined several steps for preventing tragedies: planning a sober ride using a designated driver, public transit or ride-share service; avoiding walking while impaired by choosing a sober companion; reporting dangerous driving anonymously to Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555; stepping in for friends by taking keys and arranging safe rides home; and always wearing seat belts as protection against serious injury or death.
More information about these recommendations can be found according to the official roster page.
