PORTLAND, Maine— As St. Patrick’s Day celebrations take place across the country in the days leading up to the March 17 holiday, safety officials are warning that the festivities often coincide with a spike in impaired driving and fatal crashes on the nation’s roads.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2019 and 2023, 38 percent of traffic fatalities that occurred during the St. Patrick’s Day time frame involved impaired drivers. In 2023 alone, 63 people lost their lives in alcohol-impaired crashes during the holiday period.
Data from Maine reflects a similar concern. According to 2023 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data, there were 135 roadway deaths statewide, with 49 involving a driver who had consumed alcohol. The majority of those alcohol-involved crashes involved drivers over the legal limit, highlighting the preventable nature of many of these tragedies.
Despite widespread awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, behavior does not always align with public attitudes. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 93 percent of drivers consider driving after drinking to be very or extremely dangerous. However, 7 percent admitted to doing so within the past 30 days.
The same research also found that more than half, 56 percent, of drivers seriously injured in crashes test positive for alcohol and or drugs. Safety experts note that combining substances, such as alcohol and cannabis, can significantly increase the risk of impairment.
AAA Northern New England is urging residents to take the risks seriously and plan ahead if they intend to celebrate.
“We want people to enjoy their traditions without putting themselves or others at risk,” said Dan Goodman, manager of Public Affairs and Traffic Safety for AAA Northern New England. “A sober ride home is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep our roads safe. The goal is simple: everyone gets home safely.”
The Portland Police Department is also reminding drivers to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving as the holiday approaches.
“We want everyone to enjoy their celebration safely and responsibly,” said Portland Police Major Jason King. “Plan ahead before you go out, arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service or call a taxi. If you’ve been drinking and can’t drive, hand your keys to someone who is sober. If a friend is about to get behind the wheel after drinking, step in and help them find a safe way home. And if you see a suspected impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement right away.”
Safety officials recommend several steps to reduce the risk of impaired driving this St. Patrick’s Day. Drivers are encouraged to plan a sober ride home before going out by designating a non-drinking driver, using public transit, or arranging a taxi or rideshare. Authorities also advise drivers not to operate a vehicle if they have consumed alcohol, cannabis, or any other impairing substances.
Those hosting celebrations are encouraged to provide non-alcoholic options and help guests arrange safe transportation home. Officials also remind motorists to wear a seat belt on every trip and emphasize that if someone is unsure whether they are sober enough to drive, they should not get behind the wheel. Passengers are also urged not to ride with impaired drivers.
