Saint Patrick's Day is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year, but it's also considered one of the most dangerous across the nation. It's known for the color green, leprechauns, and of course drinking.
Many people think that it's okay to drive after a few, but they could already be over the legal limit of .08. A four leaf clover won't protect you from the dangers of driving intoxicated and that's why locals are planning to be responsible before the party even begins.
The beer is flowing on St. Patrick's Day and the celebration brings out the Irish spirit.
But it can end tragically for some if they get behind the wheel drunk.
Aaron Hogg is celebrating the holiday early with his friends and he just happens to be the designated driver of the group.
"I've seen plenty of my friends and just too many people that have to go down that road with injuries and without injuries, death, all of it, to where it's enlightened me enough to make me never want to go down that road,” said Hogg.
Jessica lost two of her family members in a drunk driving accident, and she learned that there's always a way to stay safe while having fun.
"It's not that hard, it's easy. You can take a taxi and a lot of these places, they'll do discounts for them that night,” said Jessica Nash. “And if you have money to buy alcohol, you have money to buy a taxi home."
Several businesses are also getting ready early for the festivities.
"We're looking forward to a huge crown and it's going to start right off the bat,” said Chuck Burnum, the General Manager of O'Cleary's Irish Pub.
But they want their customers to celebrate responsibly.
Ron McCarty, owner of Ceol Irish Pub said, "We never recommend driving. We refrain from it. We serve a lot of water no doubt about it. Certainly it being the biggest drinking day of the year, it is certainly an issue."
St. Patrick's Day is considered one of the most dangerous holidays across the nation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that 276 people lost their lives to drunk driving crashes from 2009 to 2013 on St. Patrick's Day.
Law enforcement wants people to have fun and celebrate, but without the risk of hurting themselves and others.
Free services are being offered for people who feel like they've had too much to drink.
- RTC buses will run from 4:00 p.m. to midnight
- AAA will be offering their "Tipsy Tow" program that takes you and your car home for free from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- And of course there's always the option of calling a taxi
So don't push your luck, stay safe.
