With the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day holiday on Thursday, local law enforcement officials are reminding people to be safe when it comes to consuming alcohol. 

Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn says when it comes to Saint Patrick’s Day they want to put out a reminder for people that if they are out celebrating the holiday, they should have plans in place for them to get home.

“Make sure you get a designated driver if you can or call someone to give you a ride home. We really just want to caution people about driving impaired. Obviously, if you are out and you’re feeling those effects even just a little bit we want to caution you about getting behind the wheel and getting some help to get back home safely.”

Vaughn tells Raccoon Valley Radio the Saint Patrick’s holiday brings about more alcohol consumption which could lead to more instances of people drinking and driving. Vaughn talks about ways people can plan responsibly for the holiday.

“Bring somebody with you and designate that person as a designated driver. A lot of times the bars or wherever you are at will supply free non-alcoholic drinks to those persons while you are there so they can have a good time too and just encourage having that designated driver.”

Vaughn says another thing people can do is walk home as long as they are not so intoxicated that you are causing a safety risk for yourself or someone else.