The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind anyone who may be celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day to do so responsibly.
Saint Patrick’s Day is supposed to be a fun day, yet, it can also become one of the most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired driving. Impaired driving collisions and fatalities can be prevented. Designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone’s Saint Patrick’s Day list, but there are other ways you can help save lives, too.
Remember to plan ahead. Arrange for a designated driver, take a cab, call a sober driver for a ride or plan to stay over. Businesses and owners of private residences are also being reminded that they are ultimately responsible for anyone that is consuming alcohol or marihuana while in their business and homes.
Consider the following:
- Pour properly measured drinks, don’t free pour or serve doubles.
- Serve drinks rather than having a self-serve bar.
- Don’t serve alcohol to an already intoxicated person.
- Offer non – alcoholic and or low alcohol beverages.
- Monitor how much your guests are drinking.
- Provide food and snacks.
- Keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving impaired.
The community is also being urged to continue to follow all public health guidelines when it comes to COVID-19, which means only celebrating with those in the same household and avoiding large gatherings.
Currently, Simcoe-Muskoka is in the Red-Control zone of the province’s COVID-19 framework, which means indoor gatherings are limited to 5 people, while bars and restaurants are allowed ten people inside at a time.
Don’t test the luck of the Irish. If you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, do it responsibly. #DriveSober or don’t drive. Suspect an impaired driver? Call 9-1-1. #DontDriveImpaired #ImpairedIsImpaired ^gp pic.twitter.com/OiSadfZDy4
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) March 17, 2021
Tomorrow is #StPatricksDay ☘️ Don't depend on the luck o' the Irish to keep COVID away. Celebrate with only those in your household. #StayHome #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/tACZKdoQEV
— SMDHU (@SMDhealthunit) March 16, 2021