Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges drivers to remember that drinking and driving is deadly and never an option. Join NHTSA and NovoaGlobal in sharing this message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

In addition to impaired driving enforcement, drivers should be aware that traffic safety cameras are actively monitoring roadways in many communities. These automated systems help enforce speed limits and red-light compliance, encouraging safer driving behaviors and reducing crashes.

Every year, dozens of people are killed when they choose to drive drunk during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. According to NHTSA, 38% (284) of the traffic fatalities that occurred during the St. Patrick’s Day holidays between 2019–2023 involved drunk drivers. In 2023 alone, there were 63 fatalities in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, of which 44 involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or higher.

Law enforcement officers—and traffic safety cameras—will be working together this holiday to keep roads safe. Plan ahead for a sober ride, obey all traffic laws, and remember: making safe choices behind the wheel protects everyone.

Plan Ahead

Local authorities are urging everyone to celebrate the holiday safely by making a plan before the festivities begin. The most important step is arranging for a sober ride in advance — whether that means designating a sober driver, using a taxi service, or booking a rideshare. Because alcohol clouds a person’s judgment, designated drivers should be prepared to help others who failed to plan ahead find a safe and sober way home.

Drivers should also remember that traffic safety cameras are in use in many areas, helping enforce speed limits and red-light laws. These systems work alongside law enforcement to promote safer roads and hold drivers accountable.

Community members are also encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers to local law enforcement.

Contact US 

Interested in using automated enforcement in your community? Contact Us: 888-666-4218, Ext. 6 for East Coast and Ext. 7 for West Coast. We can also be reached at [email protected]