Each year, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many communities across the country. In Hawai‘i, how we celebrate will likely look a little different this year. Maintaining social distancing and wearing the proper protective face covering are a few ways to protect yourself and others.

If you plan on celebrating St. Paddy’s Day, make sure you and your friends have a plan to get home safely. Don’t drive if you consume any intoxicating substance. Make arrangements for a sober driver or driving service to get you home safely.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one third of vehicle related fatalities were drunk driving related. Locally, 37 of the 151 major accidents on Hawai‘i Island roads thus far this year, (24 percent), have been due to alcohol impairment.

Hawai’i Police Department officers are well aware of this and will be out on the roadways searching for intoxicated drivers, strictly enforcing drunk driving laws.

This St. Patrick’s Day don’t push your luck, even “buzzed driving” is drunk driving. Drive sober or get pulled over.