St. Patrick’s Day is next week (March 17) and that means one thing: an abundance of green everywhere you look—green bagels, green beer, green cupcakes and even shamrock shakes. Everyone is happy, and hundreds of pounds of corned beef and cabbage are consumed in one night. It’s the day when everyone, regardless of nationality, is Irish.
Unfortunately, that also means people love to drink like a fish and get rip-roaring drunk. The holiday is on a Tuesday this year, but that doesn’t mean local bars won’t be packed. I’m guessing the snow will still be around as the green most of us want to see is still trapped beneath mountains of white. So choose your designated driver now. Do not drink and drive home, believing that the luck of the Irish is on your side, protecting you from slippery conditions and crowded roads.
As for the amateur St. Paddy’s Day celebrators out there, take note. Drunk driving is irresponsible and can cause mental, physical, financial and sometimes fatal damage to you, your family and to innocent strangers.
So grab your “Kiss Me I’m Irish” shirt, four leaf clover shades and lucky leprechaun hat, and enjoy a night out. Just leave the negative stereotyped behavior at home. No excuses.
Jennifer Fauci
