Virginia State Police urges residents to plan sober rides for Saint Patrick’s Day

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Police is encouraging residents to plan for a sober ride on Saint Patrick's Day on Tuesday, warning that drunk driving can be both costly and deadly.

In a press release on March 13, state police are urging Virginians to have a sober plan when attending parties and events as they begin this weekend.

"Drunk driving is not only deadly, it can also be costly," state police wrote in a press release. "If caught drinking and driving, you can face jail time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, car towing, higher insurance rates and lost wages."

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From March 14, 2025 to March 18, 2025, police identified 101 crashes involving alcohol in the Commonwealth, with five of them resulting in death. According to police, 66 of those had injuries.

If you’re going to celebrate:

• 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.

State police is holding a spring break enforcement effort -- which began on Monday, March 9 and will continue through Saint Patrick's Day, March 17 -- to ensure traffic safety during both college spring break and Saint Patrick's Day.