Tips for Playing it Safe and Sober this St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is a time for all things green and, all too often, overindulging in beer and other spirits. In fact, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest days on our nation’s roads. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 272 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday between 2017 and 2021, with highest percentage occurring on St. Patrick’s Day night.

There are ways to celebrate safely. These include:

• Celebrate sober. There are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available that you will allow you to raise a glass and enjoy the fun without raising your blood alcohol content.
• Always drive 100% sober. Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many. 
• Make a plan. If you choose to drink, make a plan before you have your first sip. Designate a sober driver to get you home safely. If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make this decision, you might not make the best one. If you’re the designated driver, take the job seriously. 
• Make alternate plans. If your designated driver is unavailable, call a taxi or rideshare.
• Set a limit. Before you head out, determine how many drinks you want to have in total throughout the day or how much you want to spend. Taking only the amount of cash needed for your plan or taking a pre-paid gift card can be a helpful signal it’s time to stop.
• Pace yourself. Avoid drinking games and shots. Stick to one standard alcoholic beverage per hour with non-alcoholic drinks in between. Water is your friend.
• Don’t forget to eat and stay hydrated. Breaking up your beverages with food and plenty of water will help your body handle alcohol better and ensure you enjoy the day a bit more safely.

In addition to your own drinking, keep an eye on your friends. If someone who has been drinking is about to drive, take their keys away, and find them sober transportation home. If you’re concerned someone has consumed alcohol to excess, seek emergency help. Finally, if you see someone driving drunk, contact local law enforcement.

You’re not spoiling the fun; you’re potentially saving a life.

Sean Burns, MD, is the SVMC EMS Medical Director/District 12 Medical Advisor.