Be safe this St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day was originally celebrated to mark the death of the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, but is also a cultural holiday that includes wearing green clothing and celebrations that often involve drinking and revelry. However, it is important for celebrants to remember to look after their personal safety by planning ahead on how they will get home should they become intoxicated.
The National Directory of Designated Driver Services, also known as the NDDDS, is a website that allows users to select their state and county or metropolitan area and then provides information on how to secure a safe ride when intoxicated. From traditional transportation services to “Team Lift” and “Scooter” options, most areas have plenty of choices when it comes to avoiding the dangers of drunk driving.
Conventional transportation options may be as simple as calling a taxi company, while other areas may strongly promote on-demand services like Uber and Lyft; after requesting a ride through a smartphone app, users will be picked up by a driver in their area. Simply pay the fee and rate the ride upon its completion.
Non-profit groups may offer “Team Lift” and “Scooter” rides to residents of certain areas. For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, a “Team Lift” involves calling on a team of two individuals who will come to an intoxicated driver’s aid by driving the person home in his or her own car while a partner follows. The “Scooter” approach involves a single individual riding a motorized scooter to the appropriate location, folding it up and then driving the intoxicated person home; once the person and his or her vehicle have been left at home, the driver will unfold the scooter and move on to the next location.
The availability of Uber, Lyft, cabs and other convenient options provide variety of safe, responsible options for getting home after having too much to drink on St. Patrick’s Day.
