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    PennDOT, Partners Highlight St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Driving Campaign

    March 08, 2024

    ​Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Highway Safety Network, the Pennsylvania State Police, Mansfield Police Department, and Geisinger Medical Center Trauma Unit today joined at Mansfield University's Alumni Hall Student Center to urge designated driving and responsible party hosting ahead of the St. Patrick's Day holiday.

    Participants engaged in activities that demonstrated the dangers of impaired driving and walking. Impairment goggles were available to try, and impaired driving materials were distributed.

    “Impaired driving crashes are 100% preventable. Have a plan in place before celebrating. Designate a sober driver, hire a taxi or ride sharing service, but never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking," Deborah Erdman, Injury Prevention Coordinator with Geisinger Medical Center said at the event.

    Preliminary PennDOT data shows there were 65 impaired driving crashes over the St. Patrick's Day holiday last year, resulting in two fatalities and 40 suspected serious injuries.

    Alcohol is not the only drug that impairs driving; illegal, prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impair driving as well. Medications mixed with alcohol can exaggerate alcohol's effects causing even greater impairment.

    In addition to the potential impact on your safety and the safety of others, driving impaired could have a huge effect on your wallet. Getting a DUI can cost you thousands of dollars in traffic fines, legal fees, increased insurance costs, and more.

    Before heading out to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, have a plan in place to get home safely. PennDOT offers these safety tips for holiday celebrations:

    • Remember it is never okay to drive impaired. Even if you've had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride sharing service to get home safely.
    • If hosting a party, offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks. Take the keys away from anyone impaired and assist guests in getting home safely.
    • If you are planning on being the designated driver, refrain from drinking any alcohol—it's that simple. People are relying on you.

     
    For more information about impaired driving and other traffic safety topics, please visit penndot.pa.gov/safety.

    Contact: Kim Smith, kiasmit@pa.gov or 570-368-4344

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