HONOLULU (KHON2) — Not only is St. Patrick’s Day filled with four-leaf clovers, leprechauns and everything green, it also calls for parades, parties and pub crawls.
As millions nationwide prepare to celebrate the day, Mothers Against Drunk Driving urges Hawaii residents to celebrate the holiday responsibly.
MADD officials advise those who plan on drinking not to push their luck and plan a designated driver to get home safely.
Don’t leave your safety to luck this St. Patrick’s Day. With celebrations lasting all weekend, planning a sober ride is the smartest move you can make. Whether you choose a designated driver, a rideshare or public transportation, make a plan before you raise your glass—because impaired driving is never worth the risk.
Stacey D. Stewart, MADD CEO
If you plan on hosting a party for the holiday, take initiative to help keep your guests safe.
“With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Monday this year, celebrations are expected to stretch through the weekend—bringing four nights of festivities but also an increased risk of impaired driving crashes,” Makena Young, Program Manager at MADD Hawaii said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 290 people died in alcohol-related crashes during St. Patrick’s Day between 2018 and 2022.
Police will also be on the lookout for the holiday weekend, increasing patrols and sobriety checkpoints nationwide.
If you are caught drinking and driving, you could be subject to a DUI arrest, which can lead to a suspended license, jail time or worse — irreversible consequences if someone is injured or killed.
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MADD Hawaii emphasizes that “a little planning can make all the difference and protect everyone on the roads.”