St. Patrick’s Day: Don’t drink and drive. Uber, AAA offer special deals

Thousands of Ohioans will head to their favorites pubs this weekend in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, but officials have a warning for residents: “Don’t drink and drive.”

From 2012 to 2016, 269 people were killed in drunk driving crashes during this holiday period, accounting for 38 percent of all crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Between midnight and 5:59 a.m., nearly 69 percent of all crash fatalities involved drunk drivers.

“I am pleading with everyone to make the safe choice of designating a driver if they plan to drink alcohol around St. Paddy’s Day,” said MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church. “I hope the day is fun and exciting, and also safe for people all around the country.”

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People are more aware of the dangers of getting behind the wheel after drinking, and thanks to increased education and enforcement, roads are safer for everyone, according to Uber. However, each day almost 29 people in the U.S. die in alcohol-impaired vehicle crashes. That’s one person every 50 minutes in 2016, according to the high administration.

Uber and AAA are offering special deals in some cities so that party goers don’t get behind the wheel after drinking.

Many AAA clubs offer safe ride services for members and non-members. If you need a safe ride home, call (800) AAA-HELP or (800) 222-4357. ArriveSafe Program begins Friday, March 16, at 6 p.m. and ends Sunday, March 18 at 6 a.m. for Montgomery County residents only. AAA has no call center involvement. Local motorists must dial 937-449-9999.

Uber is also offering free and discounted rides in some cities, so check your app to if any discount codes apply.

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