Don't Run Out Of Luck On St. Patrick's Day - Holiday Revelers Encouraged To Drink Responsibly

The luck of the Irish is not enough to protect you against a possible encounter with an impaired driver during St. Patrick's Day.

Alcohol-related crashes continue to be the main factor for deaths during this holiday. In 2000 there were 151 fatal car accidents on St. Patrick's Day, half of which were alcohol-related.

"During holidays, alcohol consumption and alcohol-related crashes increase, making the roadways dangerous," said Elizabeth Mosely, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)

Partygoers and their hosts should do their part to help reduce the number of DUI-related crashes by taking the necessary steps to help prevent loss of life.

The I.I.I. offers the following tips on how to have a safe and successful celebration:

• ESTABLISH AT THE START OF THE PARTY WHO THE DESIGNATED DRIVERS ARE. Make an extra effort to see that anyone who has had too much to drink doesn't drive.
• ALWAYS EAT OR SERVE FOOD WITH ALCOHOL. It is proven that food can help counter the effects of alcohol.
• HAVE A VARIETY OF BEVERAGES AVAILABLE. As the evening goes on, shift to non-alcoholic beverages. Serve coffee or tea towards the end of the party.
• IF A GUEST HAS HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK, CALL A CAB OR PUT HIM OR HER UP FOR THE NIGHT. If you have a "sleepover," you can memorize all the verses to Danny Boy.
• IF DRIVING, WEAR YOUR SEATBELT. The studies are right. Seatbelts do save lives.

Remember, in some states you can be held financially responsible for your guests' actions after they leave your party. Drivers convicted of drunk driving also face huge increases in their auto insurance rates, which can easily triple or more, if the insurer agrees to continue carrying the offender.

The Insurance Information Institute is a non-profit, communications organization sponsored by the property/casualty insurance business.