NEW HAVEN POLICE URGE MOTORISTS TO DRIVE RESPONSIBLY THIS ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

(3/14/2009) Designate a Sober Driver Before the Party Begins

NEW HAVEN—The New Haven Police Department is urging the public to help keep the streets safe during this Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade by drinking responsibly and designating a sober driver before heading to the local parade or pub. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that over the past five years, 851 people lost their lives in motor vehicles crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Out of that number, 327 were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

The following tips will help make this holiday safer for everyone:

Plan a safe way home before your celebrations begin;

If you plan to get a ride home with someone else, designate a sober driver before any drinking begins;

If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;

If you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;

And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride their motorcycle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

The New Haven Police Department will have increased patrols out specifically looking for drunk drivers during and after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. So far this year, over 100 drivers have been arrested in New Haven for driving under the influence (DUI).

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Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660