That time of year is here when everyone suddenly discovers their 1/16th Irish heritage, green shirts appear out of nowhere, and someone inevitably decides that green beer counts as a balanced meal.

While we hope everyone enjoys St. Patrick’s Day, we’d like to offer a few friendly reminders so the only thing getting “booked” during your festivities is a safe trip home:

Don’t drink and drive.
If your plans involve green beverages, Irish music, or enthusiastically telling everyone in the bar how Irish you are, please make sure you also plan how you’re getting home. A sober friend or rideshare is a much better option than a DUI, a tow truck, and a very awkward conversation with a judge the next morning.

Phones are for rides, not for driving.
If you’re behind the wheel, your phone should be helping you get home safely, not helping you post blurry selfies titled “BEST NIGHT EVER” that you will definitely regret.

Watch where you’re walking.
Celebrations mean busier streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. Please cross safely and keep an eye out for traffic. The crosswalk is always a safer choice than testing your luck with oncoming traffic.

A quick note for our college students:
We know St. Patrick’s Day celebrations sometimes start early and go big, and the college parties this weekend are no exception. Have fun, but remember that overcrowded parties, unsafe behavior, and alcohol-related fights tend to bring police and EMS to the scene quickly. Look out for your friends, use common sense, and try not to become the reason your landlord, neighbors, or professors learn your name this week.

Officers will be out and about.
Our officers will be patrolling throughout the holiday to help keep everyone safe. We’d much rather give directions or say hello than write reports about your bad decisions.

Remember:
Your real treasure this weekend is getting home in one piece and with your dignity intact.

Have fun, celebrate responsibly, and may your St. Patrick’s Day be lucky, but not so lucky that you think you can outrun a police radio.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!