During the Saint Patrick's Day holiday, fatal accidents often double.
 
It is no coincidence that this holiday is largely associated with drinking.
 
So 21 News sought out Austintown Police Department to find out some of the ways you can still have the luck of the Irish when celebrations involve drinking beer, wine, or spirits.
 
With many COVID-19 restrictions lifting, people across our region and country have new reasons to enjoy gathering and celebrating Saint Patrick's Day.
 
But if you drink beverages containing alcohol, it's essential to make plans for a sober driver to take you home or to your destinations. 
 
"We want people to use designated drivers to use Uber or Lyft. We want them to have a plan if they do go somewhere and drink too much. We want them to have a plan even if they didn't plan on getting drunk," Lieutenant Mark Skowron said.
 
The crowd is expected to be big at Party on the Plaza in Austintown Township.
 
The events begin with Kegs and Eggs at 5:00 a.m. And the partying will continue throughout the day. Several bands will be playing, including some that play Irish music. 
 
The party will continue until late evening, and the tent will close at around 10:00 p.m. The party will continue until late evening, around 10:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. 
 
Afterward, folks can go inside Frenchy's Irish Pub and Grille in Austintown and continue the fun.
 
Like many other departments across our region and the country, Austintown will have extra officers on patrol.  
 
"Our brothers and sisters from the Sheriff's Office will be monitoring what's going on at the actual party, and once people are leaving, we try to patrol the lots extra heavy. If we need to, we will try to convince someone that there are other alternatives to get them home safely," added Lt. Skowron. 
 
He adds drivers need to watch for pedestrians, and pedestrians need to watch out for drivers.
 
Lieutenant Skowron tells 21 News driving while impaired can cost you thousands of dollars in fines, court costs and even ruin your reputation. It can also lead to deadly consequences and a lifetime of regret.
 
"It's never good. Even if you are not the one who dies, you have to live with that for the rest of your life," Skowron emphasized.
 
Even if you feel like you have the luck of the Irish, it's best not to push your luck.