St. Patrick's Day is a time for parades, green attire, and festive gatherings across California. But as celebrations ramp up, so do the risks of drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), St. Patrick's Day is one of the deadliest holidays for alcohol-related crashes. In 2022 alone, California reported over 1,000 DUI arrests during the holiday weekend. As a DUI attorney with years of experience at Law Office of John Campanella, I've seen the devastating consequences of impaired driving firsthand. Here's how to protect yourself and others this St. Patrick's Day.

The Reality of St. Patrick's Day DUIs in California

While the holiday is synonymous with pub crawls and parties, the aftermath often includes tragic accidents. For example, in 2021, a Sacramento County collision involving a drunk driver left three injured after a St. Patrick's Day block party. California law enforcement agencies, including the CHP, typically increase DUI checkpoints and patrols during this time. Penalties for a DUI conviction in California are severe: fines up to $10,000, license suspension, and even jail time.

How to Avoid Drunk Drivers: 5 Essential Tips

1. Plan Your Ride Home Before Celebrating
   Designate a sober driver, use ride-share apps like Uber, or take public transit. Sacramento's “Designated Driver Program” offers free non-alcoholic drinks to volunteers who commit to staying sober. Example: After a downtown Sacramento pub crawl, a group of friends used a pre-booked rideshare to avoid the temptation of driving.

2. Stay Alert on the Road
   Watch for erratic behaviors like swerving, abrupt braking, or delayed responses at traffic lights. Avoid distractions (e.g., texting) to react quickly.

3. Report Suspicious Drivers
   If you see a vehicle drifting between lanes, call 911. Provide the license plate, location, and direction of travel. In 2023, a Stockton drunk driver was stopped after multiple witnesses alerted authorities.

4. Avoid Late-Night Travel
   Most alcohol-related crashes occur between midnight and 3 a.m. Consider leaving events early or staying overnight.

5. Host Responsibly
   Offer non-alcoholic beverages and ensure guests have safe transportation. California's “Social Host” law can hold party hosts liable for accidents caused by intoxicated guests.

What to Do If You're Involved in a DUI Accident

1. Pull over safely and call 911.

2. Document the scene with photos and witness contacts.

3. Avoid confronting the impaired driver.

4. Contact a DUI attorney immediately if you're accused.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate Safely

St. Patrick's Day should be joyful, not tragic. By planning ahead and staying vigilant, you can avoid becoming a statistic. Remember, California's “Zero Tolerance” policy means even a BAC of 0.01% can lead to penalties for under-21 drivers.

FAQs

1. Why is DUI a big issue on St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day is one of the biggest drinking holidays, and many people celebrate with alcohol. This leads to a higher number of drunk drivers on the road, increasing the risk of accidents and arrests.

2. How many DUI-related accidents happen on St. Patrick's Day?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 37% of all traffic deaths on St. Patrick's Day involve a drunk driver. The number of DUI crashes spikes significantly on this holiday.

3. What is the legal blood alcohol limit (BAC) in most states?

In most U.S. states, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. However, for commercial drivers, it's 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, many states have a zero-tolerance policy (BAC of 0.00%–0.02%).

4. How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit?

It depends on weight, gender, and metabolism, but typically:

• Men: About 4 drinks in an hour (for a 180-pound person)
• Women: About 3 drinks in an hour (for a 140-pound person)
  But even one or two drinks can impair judgment and reaction time.

5. Can I be arrested for DUI if I feel fine?

Yes! Many people don't feel drunk but still have a BAC over the legal limit. Alcohol affects your coordination and reaction time, even if you think you're okay to drive.

6. What are the penalties for a DUI on St. Patrick's Day?

DUI penalties vary by state but can include:

• Fines: $500–$2,000+
• License suspension: From 3 months to several years
• Jail time: A few days to several months (or more for repeat offenders)
• Ignition interlock device: Required in many states

7. Can I get a DUI for driving buzzed?

Yes. "Buzzed driving is drunk driving." Even if you're under the legal limit, you can still be arrested for impaired driving if an officer determines you're unsafe to drive.

8. How can I avoid getting a DUI on St. Patrick's Day?

• Plan a sober ride: Use a designated driver, taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
• Stay where you are: If you're drinking at a friend's house, sleep over.
• Use public transportation: Many cities offer free or discounted rides on St. Patrick's Day.

9. Do DUI checkpoints increase on St. Patrick's Day?

Yes. Law enforcement sets up more checkpoints and increases patrols to catch drunk drivers on St. Patrick's Day.

10. Can I refuse a breathalyzer test at a DUI checkpoint?

Yes, but there are consequences. In many states, refusing a breathalyzer results in automatic license suspension and can still lead to a DUI arrest.

11. Can I get a DUI for driving after drinking beer or wine instead of liquor?

Yes. It doesn't matter what type of alcohol you drink—beer, wine, and liquor all contain alcohol, and any of them can put you over the legal limit.

12. Are DUIs more common at night on St. Patrick's Day?

Yes. Most DUI-related crashes and arrests happen between 8 PM and 4 AM, when bars close and people are heading home.

13. What should I do if I see a drunk driver on St. Patrick's Day?

• Stay away: Don't try to follow them.
• Call 911: Give the operator the car's make, model, color, and location.
• Don't engage: Let the police handle it.

14. Can I get a DUI on a scooter or bicycle?

Yes! In many states, you can be arrested for riding a bicycle, e-scooter, or even a golf cart while under the influence.

15. Can I get a DUI for using marijuana on St. Patrick's Day?

Yes. Even if marijuana is legal in your state, driving while high is still illegal and can lead to a DUI.

16. What if I drink and drive but don't get pulled over?

You're still at high risk of crashing, hurting yourself, or harming others. Avoiding arrest doesn't mean it was safe or responsible.

17. How much does a DUI cost?

A DUI can cost $10,000+ after adding up fines, lawyer fees, increased insurance, and other expenses.

18. What should I do if I'm pulled over for suspected DUI?

• Stay calm and be polite.
• Don't admit guilt.
• Know your rights: You can refuse field sobriety tests, but refusal may have consequences.
• Call a lawyer if arrested.

19. Can passengers drink alcohol in a car on St. Patrick's Day?

It depends on the state. Some states allow open containers for passengers, while others ban them completely. Check your local laws.

20. What's the best way to enjoy St. Patrick's Day safely?

• Drink responsibly: Know your limits.
• Eat food and drink water to slow alcohol absorption.
• Use a sober ride: Plan ahead for safe transportation.