Police offer safe St. Patrick’s Day driving tips

The Hawaii Police Department is reminding the public that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” and urges the community to follow these safety precautions for this St. Patrick’s Day weekend:

• Designate a sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before the party begins.

• If you don’t have a designated driver, call a taxi or a friend.

• Never let a friend drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home.

• Don’t ride in a vehicle with a driver who is intoxicated.

• Always buckle up. It’s still your best defense against drunk drivers.

If you are hosting a party:

• Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance.

• Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.

• Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party and keep serving non-alcoholic drinks and food.

• Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving after drinking and get them a cab ride home.

Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served alcohol to ends up in a drunk-driving crash.

If an underage person drinks and drives, parents may be held liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.

Likewise, parents or other adults who provide alcohol to, or host a party where alcohol is available to, those under age 21 could face jail time.

The Hawaii Police Department reminds drivers to put safety first this St. Patrick’s Day and never get behind the wheel drunk.