Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Rear View Safety

St. Patrick's Day has long been the day designated to celebrate the Irish roots of approximately 34.2 million Americans. However, St. Patrick's Day is also a very dangerous day for driving; between 2009 and 2013, there were a total of 276 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes on St. Patrick's Day. If you're going to celebrate with alcohol, make sure to take the following precautions; they may seem minor, but they save lives!

Plan ahead. Decide how you are going to get home before you go out. If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely. Better yet, hand them your keys at the beginning of the night. If you are the designated driver, commit to staying sober. Having a designated driver creates a fun and safe environment for everyone.

Always have a backup plan. If you don't have a designated driver, you can use NHTSA's SaferRide app to call a taxi or a friend. The app is very easy to use and available for Android devices on Google Play, and Apple devices on the iTunes store. You can also use public transportation to travel safely if it is available in your area.

Use common sense. Don't get in a car with a driver who is intoxicated. Remember to buckle up. This may seem simple, but it’s your best defense against drunk drivers. Report any drunk or suspicious drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement right away.

And most important of all: make sure you have yourself some fun! To always ensure safe driving, visit Rearviewsafety.com to see the latest in backup camera and safety technology.