You'll Need More Than Luck If You Drive Impaired On St. Patrick's Day

Before you celebrate, plan ahead for a sober ride home.

Submitted by ISP/IDOT

Mar 13, 2026 8:15 AM Mar 12, 2026 4:00 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – St. Patrick’s Day brings parades, parties and an important reminder from the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 additional law enforcement agencies throughout the state: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI.”

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“Driving after consuming alcohol, using cannabis or becoming impaired by any substance is dangerous and potentially deadly,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Prescription medications, drugs and combinations of substances can impair your judgment, attention and reaction time, so designate a driver before it’s too late to make a safe decision.”

According to IDOT data, on St. Patrick’s Day from 2020 through 2024, Illinois recorded 3,315 crashes statewide, including 671 injury crashes and 10 fatal crashes, resulting in 10 fatalities involving alcohol or cannabinoids.

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This year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement and awareness effort begins March 13 and extends into the early hours of March 23.

“Often celebrated with green beer and Irish whiskey, ISP is reminding you to celebrate smartly this St. Patrick’s Day by designating a driver, arranging a ride share or asking a friend to pick you up if you plan on drinking,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen.

If you are impaired by alcohol, cannabis or any drugs:

Call a cab, use a rideshare service or public transportation. Or ask a sober friend or family member for a ride home.
Take advantage of your community’s designated driver program, if available.
Report impaired drivers to law enforcement immediately by pulling over and dialing 911. ?
Ensure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt – it’s your best defense in a crash. ?

The St. Patrick’s Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI” enforcement campaign is funded with federal traffic safety grants administered by IDOT. These efforts are supported by ISP and local law enforcement agencies across the state. The campaigns are reinforced by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” initiative spotlighting safe driving and highway safety throughout Illinois.

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