ST. GEORGE — St. Patrick’s Day is often one of the biggest drinking nights of the year. If you or members of your group are going to drink, the Utah Department of Public Safety wants you to plan ahead by arranging a sober ride home.

Bagpipe players in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Springdale, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Jonathan Shafer, National Park Service, St. George News

It’s simple: If you feel different, you drive different, so don’t let your luck run out.

“Alcohol, prescription drugs, marijuana, or any combination of impairing substances can affect your safe decision-making and driving ability,” said Major Jeff Nigbur with the Utah Highway Patrol in a Department of Public safety news release. “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.

“Significant law enforcement efforts will occur throughout the state on St. Patrick’s Day weekend to deter and detect impaired drivers. Thirty-five police agencies will work over 180 additional DUI overtime enforcement shifts statewide March 15-17.”

Shifts are funded by federal grants through the Utah Highway Safety Office, the news release said.  Click here to learn more.

Stock image | Photo by Daria Kulkova/iStock/Getty Images Plus, St. George News

Impaired driving facts: 

Alcohol-related crashes are 13.6 times more likely to result in a fatality than all other types of crashes
The average blood-alcohol level for alcohol-related DUI arrests in Utah is 0.15 (three times the legal limit)
Alcohol-related fatalities accounted for 16.7% of all traffic fatalities from 2019 to 2023
In 2023, there were 11,246 DUI arrests in Utah; that’s an average of 31 arrests per day

Utah Department of Public Safety precautions: 

If you drink, don’t drive — Impairment starts with the first drink

Never let a friend drive impaired. Arrange a safe and sober way for them to get home
Any impairing substance could lead to a DUI.  Medications, drugs, or any combination with alcohol can significantly affect your judgment and driving ability.
Designate a sober driver in your group before going out
If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911
Always drive buckled; it’s the best defense against impaired drivers.