St. Patrick's Day (March 17, 2022) traditions include parades, wearing green and--for some--overindulging with alcohol. The Lima-Allen County Safe Community Coalition reminds all occupants of the road to use safe driving practices. The Ohio State Highway Patrol as well as the Allen County Sheriff’s Office will have extra officers on patrol March 12 and 19. Their message: "Don’t Press Your Luck this St. Patrick’s Day!"

If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day celebration and plan on using alcohol:

• Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys;
• Don’t starve yourself before or during the party - enjoy the food;
• Buzzed driving is drunk driving - if you have a “buzz”, don’t even think about getting behind the wheel. Ask a sober friend for a ride home or call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you.

Designate a sober driver in advance–before the festivities begin. If you plan on using alcohol, never drive while impaired, never ride with someone who is impaired, and if you think they are impaired, never let your friends drive.

Always buckle up--it’s the best defense against impaired drivers.