Auto Club Says Drinking Drivers May Not Be So Lucky On St. Patrick's Day.

Business Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 15, 2001

Don't count on the luck of the Irish to keep you out of trouble if you drink and drive this St. Patrick's Day.

Statewide alcohol-related traffic injuries and deaths are higher on St. Patrick's Day compared with similar days in February, March and April, says the Automobile Club of Southern California.

An analysis by the Auto Club indicated that in California, from 1990-2000, the number of alcohol-related deaths increased by 25 percent and the number of injuries were up by 16 percent on St. Patrick's Day. The Auto Club analyzed statewide data on alcohol-related traffic injuries and deaths during the last 11 years for the 29 hour period beginning 12:01 a.m. March 17, (St. Patrick's Day) and ending 5 a.m. the next day, March 18.

County data indicated the number of alcohol-related deaths and injuries were up 18 percent during the same period.

"The numbers were consistently higher than in previous years," said Steven Bloch, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate for the Auto Club. "This study is significant because once again, we know that drivers and their passengers are at a higher risk for being involved in alcohol-related crashes on holidays and special occasions. The data indicate that people are drinking and driving at a troubling rate on St. Patrick's Day."

The Auto Club periodically analyzes alcohol-related data for holidays and special occasions to increase awareness among motorists of the need to avoid drinking and driving. Analyses of data for Super Bowl Sunday, New Year's Eve, and St. Patrick's Day have shown large increases in the number of alcohol-related traffic crashes.

"People who are celebrating sometimes may be less cautious and risk driving after drinking," added Bloch. "We want to remind motorists that just because it's a holiday or special occasion, it doesn't mean drinking and driving is okay. In fact, drivers need to realize that many holidays and special occasions are more dangerous for motorists than other days.

To help keep drivers and passengers safe on St. Patrick's Day, the Auto Club recommends these tips:

-- Don't drink and drive.

-- Use a designated driver if you're attending a St. Patrick's Day celebration.


-- Call a friend or family member or a taxi for a ride if you've been drinking.


-- If hosting a St. Patrick's Day party, be responsible. Take car keys from
partygoers as they arrive and don't let them drive drunk. Serve non-alcoholic
drinks and encourage each group to have a designated driver. Serve protein-rich
and starchy foods to slow alcohol absorption.

-- If you observe an erratic driver while on the road, try to stay behind his
or her vehicle and out of harm's way. If it's safe to do so, pull over and call
911 or alert local police, providing a detailed description of the vehicle and
its location.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.