WisDOT warns St. Patrick's Day partiers to plan ahead

MILWAUKEE -- St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year, March 17, and it's likely even more people will be celebrating. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is asking everyone to stay safe and responsible while out for the occasion.

Officials with the WisDOT are asking all travelers to plan ahead, be responsible and never allow someone to get behind the wheel impaired.

“Whether it’s caused by alcohol, prescription medications or any type of drug, impaired drivers are dangerous drivers who jeopardize everyone along our roadways,” said David Pabst, Director of WisDOT’s Bureau of Transportation Safety. “Law enforcement officers are well trained to spot and arrest impaired drivers. But our goal is to discourage people from making the dangerous and irresponsible decision to get behind the wheel impaired.”

The WisDOT shared things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday:

“St. Patrick’s Day celebrants who get cited for impaired driving risk losing a lot of green,” Pabst said. “An OWI conviction can cost around $10,000 when you include fines, attorney fees, court costs, lost work time, higher insurance rates, car towing and repairs. Worse yet, impaired drivers involved in a crash can lose their life, hurt or kill someone else.”