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Health & Fitness

Don't Depend on Dumb Luck: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Safely!

St. Patrick’s Day has become a holiday where everyone is Irish for a day, right? Many of us will be wearing our green t-shirts and shamrock socks for a day of celebration, and for some complete with a green beverage in hand. 

Traffic authorities say that there is a dramatic uptick of alcohol-related incidents on St. Patrick's Day each year. In 2009, over one-third of all car accidents that occurred in the US on March 17th involved alcohol. These accidents resulted in almost 50 deaths.

That’s why the San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) and the San Rafael Alcohol Compliance Team (SR ACT) wants to remind our local community who plan on celebrating during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities to celebrate responsibly! SRPD and SR ACT are enforcing DUIs and the Social Host Ordinance not just on St. Patrick's Day, but all year 'round!

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Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or hosting a party, if you plan on using alcohol, never drive while under the influence  and never let your friends drive if you think they are drunk.

Following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe St. Patrick’s Day without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road:

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  • Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
  • Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys
  • If you’re intoxicated, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely
  • If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement
  • And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while drunk, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely
There are plenty of fun things to do on St. Patrick’s Day with family and friends, but it’s important to have a high level of awareness when it comes to safety. SRPD and San Rafael Alcohol Compliance team wants to remind everyone that good health and happiness is the real pot of gold! 

Learn more about the Social Host Ordinance

English - http://www.scribd.com/doc/180037937/FINAL-ACT-palm-card-pdf

Spanish - http://www.scribd.com/doc/189075792/ACT-Palm-Card-en-Espanol-in-Spanish

The San Rafael Alcohol Compliance Team (ACT) has been created through a partnership with the San Rafael Police Department and the Marin County Department of Health & Human Services to reduce underage and excessive drinking in youth ages 12 – 25.

For more information please visit & LIKE San Rafael ACT today
https://www.facebook.com/SanRafaelACT

Stay tuned for more information on ACT and how you can get involved!

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