Sobering Stats for St. Patrick’s Day

West Trenton, N.J. – From the New Jersey State Police as you make plans to celebrate this year’s St. Patrick’s Day keep in mind a few sobering statistics so that you or someone you love don’t become one.

-Over the last six St. Patrick’s Days, there have been 14 fatal crashes resulting in 16 deaths.
-Nine out of the 14 crashes involved alcohol.
-The average blood alcohol levels were .16%.
-The average BAC was two times the legal limit of .08%.
-Nine out of the 16 people killed were pedestrians, some of whom were highly intoxicated.

These statistics have not gone unnoticed. The New Jersey State Police have planned to significantly increase traffic enforcement details across the state from Friday, March 14 to Tuesday, March 18. During this period, 120 troopers will be on special details that will target aggressive driving, speed enforcement, seatbelt enforcement, and DWI patrols. The details are in addition to regular State Police patrols that will continue to diligently enforce New Jersey’s traffic laws.

Often, we remind motorists to be alert of pedestrians, especially during parades when people are celebrating and may be drinking alcohol. It is just as important to remind pedestrians to pay attention to motorists as well. Here are some safety tips so that you and your loved ones have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day.

-Depending on the size and strength of an alcohol drink, even two or three can put drivers over the legal limit.
-Coffee or caffeine will not help sober up a drunken person; It just makes a wide-awake drunk.
-If you’re driving in the area of a parade, watch for pedestrians, especially small children.
-Limit your texting when attempting to cross a street.
-Cross the street at appropriate and legal locations.
-Always obey the crosswalk traffic signal.
-Use a designated driver or use public transportation if available.