With St. Patrick's Day festivities expected to span four days this year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving is urging Philadelphia residents to plan for safe transportation during the holiday known for heavy alcohol consumption.
The holiday falls on a Monday this year, likely fueling preliminary celebrations throughout the weekend and increasing the risk of impaired driving incidents, according to MADD.
"Getting home safely isn't about luck — it's about making a plan before the first toast," the organization said in a statement.
Federal data shows 290 lives were lost in …
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With St. Patrick's Day festivities expected to span four days this year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving is urging Philadelphia residents to plan for safe transportation during the holiday known for heavy alcohol consumption.
The holiday falls on a Monday this year, likely fueling preliminary celebrations throughout the weekend and increasing the risk of impaired driving incidents, according to MADD.
"Getting home safely isn't about luck — it's about making a plan before the first toast," the organization said in a statement.
Federal data shows 290 lives were lost in alcohol-related crashes during the St. Patrick's Day holiday period between 2018 and 2022. In 2022 alone, 74 people were killed, with the risk increasing significantly at night. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 38% of drivers involved in fatal crashes between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. on St. Patrick's Day 2022 were intoxicated.
MADD recommends several safety measures including arranging designated drivers or rideshares in advance, hosting responsibly by providing alternatives to driving impaired, and staying alert on the roads even if sober.
The organization also encourages parents to discuss responsible choices with children and urges the public to report suspected impaired drivers to law enforcement.
Police departments in Philadelphia and nationwide are planning increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints throughout the holiday weekend.
A DUI arrest can result in thousands of dollars in fines, license suspension and jail time, MADD noted.
