By Melissa Aguilera and K.P. Sander

Photo Courtesy: Google

Eastvale – On March 17, you can be sure that many throughout the world will be celebrating Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Maewyn Succat – the man who would become canonized by the Catholic Church as Saint Patrick – was born in Kilpatrick, Scotland in 387 AD.  He was famous for his extensive missionary work in Ireland, and it is reported that he converted more than 135,000 people to Christianity, established 300 churches, and consecrated 350 bishops.

Succat died on March 17, 461, and while that date is celebrated in reverence for all that Saint Patrick accomplished in his lifetime, it is very often associated with “the drink.”   So much so, that it has become one of the deadliest days of the year due to drunk driving.

According to Trafficsafetymarketing.gov, St. Patrick’s Day has ended in tragedy for too many Americans.  From 2009 to 2013, 276 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes.  Most importantly, nearly three-quarters of those fatalities involved drivers who were at twice the legal limit of alcohol. That is way too much celebrating.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 32% of all fatalities from motor vehicle crashes on St. Patrick’s Day are connected to drunk driving.  They are reminding drivers not to get behind the wheel if they’ve had too much to drink.  Whether you are gathering with friends at a local pub, or attending or hosting a party, adhere to these NHTSA sobriety tips to keep yourself and others safe.

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself by eating enough food, taking breaks, and alternating drinks with non-alcoholic beverages.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Use your community’s sober ride program.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive and have had too much to drink.
• Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against other drunk drivers.
• Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
• Serve lots of food and include non-alcoholic beverages at your party.
• Stop serving alcohol before the end of your party and begin serving coffee and dessert.

Lt. Scott Forbes from the Eastvale Police Department says, “The Eastvale Police Department is always concerned for our residents’ driving safety, particularly during holidays and Saint Patrick’s Day.  We want everyone to enjoy their night and encourage them to plan ahead if people in their group will be drinking.  Designate a sober driver before you arrive.  If no one in your party is sober, call a cab or a sober friend for a ride.  If all else fails and you see someone who you believe is driving while impaired, call 911 immediately.  We’d rather respond to a false alarm than a fatality.”

St. Patrick’s Day brings to mind shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold and the luck o’ the Irish. But no amount of luck can save you from a drunk-driving crash. Be Safe.  Be Smart.  Be Sober.