The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and its safety partners are reminding motorists of the dangers of impaired driving before St. Patrick's Day celebrations kick off over the weekend.

Local and state law officials are actively participating in enforcement activities that are meant to stop impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel in connection with the St. Patrick's Day impaired driving campaign that started back on Friday, March 8, 2024, and extends through the holiday on March 17, 2024. 

"We continue to see lives senselessly lost on our roadways because of poor decision making from individuals who are impaired by drugs or alcohol," said Maggie Nunley, a Regional Program Administrator with the Pennsylvania DUI Association. "The only way we can reverse this trend is by everyone taking responsibility to keep each other safe. If you plan to consume drugs or any kind of alcohol, plan ahead and make arrangements for a sober ride home or utilize ride-sharing services or public transportation. You can do the same for your friends, family members, and other loved ones to prevent them from making a choice that could cost them their life or someone else's." 

Last year on St. Patrick's Day until 6:00 A.M. on March 18, 2023, there were 56 alcohol-related crashes statewide, resulting in two deaths, and 32 injuries according to preliminary PennDOT data. During the same time frame, there were nine drug-related crashes statewide, resulting in two deaths and eight injuries.

Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can negatively affect a driver's ability to drive by slowing their coordination, judgement, and reaction times. Cocaine and methamphetamine can make drivers more aggressive and reckless.

For more information, visit www.PenDOT.pa.gov/safety