Decatur Police urge drivers to celebrate safely on St. Patty’s Day

Simmy Wood
·1 min read
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DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — St. Patrick’s Day is almost 10 days away, which means copious amounts of green beer and Guinness pints will soon be consumed. But before you party hard, the Decatur Police Department is urging motorists to keep roads safe from impaired driving.

Between 2017 and 2021, St. Patrick’s Day drunk driving crashes led to 272 deaths in the U.S. This year, Decatur Police are stepping up their traffic safety campaign ahead of the holiday with the help of Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Because St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, we anticipate that alcohol consumption will increase both that day and throughout the weekend,” Sergeant Steve Hagemeyer said. “We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly, starting with a plan for a sober ride home before you leave the house.”

Decatur Police remind drivers that it does not matter if they are driving drunk or high — both are dangerous.

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On top of impaired driving, police note that impaired walking can also be risky. They encourage those under the influence to designate a sober friend to accompany them while walking home with them. Officers also ask drivers to watch out for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs.

Here are some other safety tips recommended by Decatur Police:

  • Designate a sober driver, use public transportation, or use a ride service like Uber or Lyft to get home safely.

  • Contact the police if you see an impaired driver on the road.

  • Take car keys away if someone plans to drive while under the influence, and plan a way to get them home safely.

  • Always buckle up.

Decatur Police will also strictly enforce other traffic laws, such speeding, wearing seat belts, and distracted driving.

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