In the US, St. Patrick’s Day— or St. Paddy’s Day for short— has evolved into a fun and festive celebration of Irish culture. Despite the holiday’s origins as a Catholic commemoration of Saint Patrick, the holiday is now more commonly associated with parades, green garb, corned beef, and adult beverages. Unfortunately, it’s also associated with injury and fatality on our roadways, fueled by road users traveling under the influence.
According to the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA):
There were 290 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holidays 6 p.m. March 16 – 5:59 a.m. March 18) between 2018-2022. During the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day holiday, 74 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
Drunk male drivers were involved in fatal crashes at a higher rate (29%) during the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day holiday compared to female drivers (14%).
Young drivers ages 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage (34%) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes during the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
Nighttime driving during the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day holiday was significantly more dangerous than daytime driving, with 38% of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. being drunk. Almost half (47%) of drivers involved in fatal crashes between the hours of midnight and 2:59 a.m. were drunk.
The rate of drunk passenger car drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes during the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day holiday were 34% and 41%, respectively.
By the (unlucky) numbers: Alcohol-related crashes on Long Island
Whether it’s a holiday or not, driving, biking, or even walking under the influence poses danger to all road users. According to data from the New York Sheriffs’ Association Crash Data Hub, there were 774 alcohol-related crashes in Suffolk County, and 465 alcohol-related crashes in Nassau County between October 2023 and September 2024. In Suffolk, seven of those crashes involved pedestrians, injuring 23 people and claiming four people’s lives. In Nassau, five of those crashes involved pedestrians, injuring 11 people and claiming one person’s life. Of course, these injuries and tragedies could have been avoided.
Don’t push your luck, Long Island
On March 10, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul announced a statewide impaired driving enforcement and education campaign ahead of St. Patrick’s Day. Law enforcement will beef up patrols statewide to combat impaired driving from March 10 through March 17.
The New York State Police and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee urge you to employ these strategies to stay safe on our shared roadways this St. Patrick’s Day:
Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.
Before you start drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
If you're impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life.
So put on your favorite green sweater, enjoy some Irish soda bread, and raise a glass to a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
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