St. Patrick's Day Editorial

Dear Editor,

For many folks in Wright County, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of impaired drivers, the night out has also become very dangerous.

That’s why Safe Communities of Wright County reminds all those who plan on celebrating during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities to drink responsibly. Whether meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or attending a party, if you plan on drinking alcohol, please don’t drive.

Designating a sober driver before the local celebration begins and making sure friends don’t drive drunk are just two of several, simple steps to help avoid a crash or an arrest for impaired driving:

• If you’re impaired, call a sober friend or family member so you are sure to get home safely;

• Use your community’s or drinking establishment’s Sober Ride program;

• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;

Impaired driving can be a costly mistake. The St. Patrick drink specials won’t seem like such a bargain if you’re charged with driving under the influence. The estimated cost of a first DUI is more than $20,000 in Minnesota. Driving impaired can also be deadly. Last year 40% of the fatal crashes in Wright County involved impairment.

Wright County is the 7th deadliest county in the State of Minnesota when it comes to alcohol-related fatalities. Because of that, law enforcement agencies in Wright County qualify for special federal funding for enhanced impaired driving enforcement. Last year there were more than 800 DUI arrests in Wright County.

Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences can be at best expensive and at worst deadly. Don’t depend on dumb luck this St. Patrick’s Day. Designate your sober driver before the party begins.

Kevin Zachman
St. Michael
Safe Communities of Wright County
Board Member