County of Orange
Health Care Agency

Juliette A. Poulson, RN, MN
Interim Director

Mark B. Horton, MD, MSPH
Deputy Agency Director/Health Officer
Public Health Services

Mailing Address:
515 N. Sycamore St.
Santa Ana, Ca 92701

E-Mail: PublicInfo@ochca.com
 

For Immediate Release
Friday, March 16, 2001

Contact: AMY DALE
(714) 834-5728

(Santa Ana) - This year's observance of St. Patrick's Day, which falls on a Saturday, may be an especially dangerous time for Orange County motorists, according to the staff of the Health Care Agency's Alcohol and Drug Education and Prevention Team (ADEPT).

County Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton says statistics indicate the danger posed by drunk drivers will spill over far past midnight Saturday. "California Highway Patrol statistics show that most alcohol related fatalities happen between 1 a.m. and 2:59 a.m. Sunday morning, when some of this year's St. Patrick's Day celebrants will be heading home from bars and restaurants," stated Dr. Horton. "On St. Patrick's Day 1999, almost 45% of traffic fatalities were alcohol related. One of the tragedies of drunk driving is that the majority of people killed in alcohol related accidents had not been drinking prior to the crash," Dr. Horton added. "These people are truly innocent victims of those who choose to drink and drive."

Dr. Horton recommends that motorists avoid being on the road between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. this Sunday morning, as well as be on the alert for drunk drivers during other hours. If alcohol will be a part of your St. Patrick's Day celebration, arrange a ride with a designated driver, make sure you have something to eat during the evening and avoid salty or dry foods that may encourage alcohol consumption. If you plan to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at a restaurant or bar, don't be tempted by themed drink specials, like green beer and Irish-labeled ales, which could lead to increased alcohol consumption.

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