Carbon County police are teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reduce impaired driving and pedestrians hit by vehicles during St. Patrick’s Day events.

“This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday, and that means more parties throughout the weekend,” said officer Joel Gulla, Lehighton Police Department and Carbon County Coordinator for the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program.

“If you’ve been drinking, make the smart choice to plan for a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,654 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2020. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2016 to 2020 - one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020.

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest times on U.S. roads. During the 2016-2020 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18), 287 people died in drunk-driving crashes.

In 2020, 37 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day period.

Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention to surroundings could put pedestrians at risk of getting hit by a vehicle.

“Drunken drivers are a continuing problem on our nation’s roads, especially around days like St. Patrick’s Day,” Gulla said. “People need to know that they can go out for a night of fun and return home safely by ensuring they have a sober driver take them home. Don’t be the reason someone - including yourself - doesn’t get home. Don’t let St. Patrick’s Day become an anniversary of a tragic night.”

Before heading out, plan ahead. Be honest with yourself: You know whether you’ll be drinking or not. Follow these ideas to ensure you and your fellow partygoers stay safe.

• Plan ahead: If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make a smart decision, you might not. Before you have one drink, designate a sober driver who won’t be drinking.

• You have options: designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a ride-share service. Getting home safely is always worth it. Some communities even have a sober ride program.

• If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.

• If you see a drunken driver on the road, contact 911.

• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and let a sober driver take your friend home.

For more information about the Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving campaign, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.