Auto Club Says Drinking Drivers May Not be So Lucky On St. Patrick's Day
15 March 2000
Auto Club Says Drinking Drivers May Not be So Lucky On St. Patrick's Day
LOS ANGELES--March 15, 2000--Don't count on the luck of the Irish to keep you out of trouble if you drink and drive this St. Patrick's Day.Statewide alcohol-related traffic injuries and deaths are higher on St. Patrick's Day compared with similar days in February, March and April, said the Automobile Club of Southern California.
The Auto Club analyzed statewide data on alcohol-related traffic injuries and deaths during the last 11 years. The analysis covered a 29-hour period beginning 12:01 a.m. March 17 (St. Patrick's Day) and ending 5 a.m. the next day, March 18.
Compared with the same day of the week each year in February, March and April during the same time period, the number killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes increased 21% and alcohol-related traffic injuries were up 12%.
County data also showed an over-representation in alcohol-related traffic injuries and fatalities. Over-representation of injuries and fatalities combined in Los Angeles County was 12%; Orange County was 35% and San Diego County was 6%.
"This study is significant because once again, we know that drivers and their passengers are at a higher risk for being involved in alcohol-related crashes on holidays. The data indicate that people are drinking and driving at a troubling rate on St. Patrick's Day," said Steven Bloch, Ph.D., the Auto Club's senior researcher.
The Auto Club periodically analyzes alcohol-related data for holidays to increase awareness among motorists of the need to avoid drinking and driving. Analyses of data for Super Bowl Sunday, New Year's Eve and St. Patrick's Day have all shown large increases in the number of alcohol-related traffic crashes.
"People who are celebrating sometimes may be less cautious and risk driving after drinking," added Bloch. "We want to remind motorists that just because it's a holiday or special occasion, it doesn't mean drinking and driving is okay. In fact, drivers need to realize that many holidays and special occasions are more dangerous for motorists than other days."
To help keep drivers and passengers safe on St. Patrick's Day, the Auto Club recommends these tips:
-- Don't drink and drive.
-- Use a designated driver if you're attending a St Patrick's Day
celebration.
-- Call a friend or family member or a taxi for a ride if you've
been drinking.
-- If hosting a St. Patrick's Day party, be responsible. Take car
keys from partygoers as they arrive and don't let them drive
drunk. Serve non-alcoholic drinks and encourage each group to
have a designated driver. Serve protein-rich and starchy foods
to slow alcohol absorption.
-- If you observe an erratic driver while on the road, try to stay
behind his or her vehicle and out of harm's way. If it's safe
to do so, pull over and call 911 or alert local police,
providing a detailed description of the vehicle and its
location.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
