The Ridgewood Police Department is urging the public to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day ,responsibly and never drive drunk.
Here are some safety tips from the NHTSA:
■Designate your sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before the party begins.
■If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come ……and get you; or just stay where you are and don’t drive until you are sober.
■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, or help arrange alternate transportation.
■Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
■Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party and begin serving coffee and dessert.
■Keep the phone number of local cab companies on hand, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk and get them a cab ride home.
■Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served 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.