State police urge Virginians not to drink and drive the weekend of Saint Patrick’s Day

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police is warning drivers not to test their luck the weekend before Saint Patrick's Day, as drinking and driving can cost them their life or their money.

Ahead of Saint Patrick's Day on Monday, March 17, Virginia State Police is warning those planning to celebrate all weekend long to remember that drinking and driving is never an option.

According to state police, if a person is caught drinking and driving, they can face jail time, lose their driver's license and vehicle, as well as pay up to $10,000 in attorney's fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates and lost wages.

During the weekend of Saint Patrick's Day in 2024, from March 15 to 18, officials said there were 87 crashes involving alcohol in Virginia, with six deaths and 53 people injured.

"The safety of our citizens is our top concern,” said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police. “We encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to ensure there is a sober driver during the holiday and every day. By working together, we can keep our roadways safe.”

State police advise those planning to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day to plan ahead by doing the following:

• Ensure you have a designated sober driver, a plan to use public transportation or a ride share service before any drinking begins.
• Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Be honest with yourself and know that even if you only plan on having one drink, you should plan on having a designated driver.
• Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly. Being under the influence can cause a lack of attention to surroundings and put pedestrians at risk of being hit by a vehicle. 
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, pull over safely and dial #77 on a cell phone or call 911.
• If you know someone who has been drinking and is about to drive, take the keys and make arrangements to get them home safely.
• If you are driving, keep an eye out for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users on the roadways.

To further prevent traffic deaths and injuries during Saint Patrick’s Day, Virginia State Police will reportedly be participating in Operation Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E), which will incorporate a three-day statistical counting period that begins at 12:01 a.m., March 15 and end at midnight on March 17.