From 2019 to 2023, 38% of St. Patrick’s Day traffic fatalities involved a drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2023 alone, the last year of available federal data, 63 people died in drunk driving crashes over the holiday.
“As you search for a pot of gold this St. Patrick’s Day, remember the best reward is a safe return home after a day of festivities,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Before you begin celebrating, it’s critical to plan ahead and designate a sober driver.”
AAA offers the following tips to ensure a safe St. Patrick’s Day:
- Plan your ride home before you have even one drink. Consider designating a sober family member or friend, taking a taxi or rideshare service or using public transit.
- Offer nonalcoholic drink options for your guests. Encourage them to stay overnight if they plan on drinking.
- Take the role of designated driver seriously and don’t drink.
- Remove the keys from any family member or friend who is impaired and help them get a sober ride home.
- Stay extra vigilant when driving, especially in the evening and overnight when most drunk driving crashes occur. Call 911 immediately if you spot a suspected impaired driver on the road.
State-specific data:
In Connecticut, from 2021 to 2025, there were over 2,400 crashes on March 17 and 18 according to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository. Of those crashes, 566 resulted in injuries and 10 were fatal. In addition, 95 involved an impaired driver, including four fatal crashes.
In Massachusetts, from 2021 to 2025, there were over 3,100 crashes on March 17 and 18 according to the Massachusetts IMPACT Crash Data Portal. Of those crashes, 728 resulted in injuries and 11 were fatal. In addition, 121 of the crashes involved an impaired driver.
In New York, from 2021 to 2023, there were over 5,500 crashes on March 17 and 18 according to state crash data. Of those crashes, 1,605 resulted in injuries and eight were fatal.
In New Jersey, from 2021 to 2025, there were over 6,300 crashes on March 17 and 18 according to Numetric. Of those crashes, 1,387 resulted in injuries and seven were fatal. In addition, 180 of the crashes involved an impaired driver.
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
