As St. Patrick's Day approaches, the Hancock County Sheriff" Office reminds drivers not to get behind the wheel if they've been drinking. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports over 700 people were killed nationwide in crashes involving a drunk driver during the St. Patrick's Day holiday from 2006 to 2010.

"Whether you are gathering with friends at the local pub or attending a St. Patrick's Day
party, if alcohol is part of the festivities, make sure you designate a sober driver to get you
home safely, or contact our community Safe Ride Home program," said Sgt. Matt Kinsinger.

According to NHTSA, on average, every 51 minutes a person is killed in adrunk-driving
crash in the United States and the majority of these crashes involve drunk drivers who
have blood alcohol concentrations of .15 grams per deciliter or higher, almost twice the
legal limit of .08 g/ dL.

To prevent these tragedies from occurring, the Hancock County Sheriff's Office
recommends the folloWing steps to have a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day:
• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or call
Safe Ride Home at 419-425-390B.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
• If you know people who are about to drive or ride while
impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to
where they are going safely.