This St. Patrick’s Day, Minnesota officials have a clear message: Don’t let your luck run out. As green beer flows and celebrations kick off, the state is stepping up patrols to bust impaired drivers—and the consequences are no pot of gold.
Over 400 Arrests Last Year – Don’t Be a Stat!
Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety is sounding the alarm after 438 drunk driving arrests during last year’s St. Paddy’s weekend. “Drive impaired, and you will get caught,” warns Mike Hanson of the Office of Traffic Safety. “Plan a sober ride—it’s that simple.”
A Survivor’s Story: “Lights Out After a Drunk Driver Hit Me”
Chisago County Sheriff’s Sgt. Kyle Puelston knows the cost of drunk driving firsthand. Five years ago, a pickup truck going 60 mph—driven by someone three times over the legal limit—slammed into him. “I spent a month in a dark room, unable to handle light or sound,” he shared. Today, he’s still recovering from a traumatic brain injury. His plea? “Don’t risk it. The pain isn’t worth it.”
Skip the “Luck of the Irish” – Use These Tips Instead
Law enforcement isn’t just targeting alcohol. “Cannabis and other substances impair you, too,” says Lt. Mike Lee of the State Patrol. Their advice?
Rideshares, cabs, or public transit are your best bet.
Tag a sober friend to drive.
Speak up if someone’s about to make a bad choice. “Be the hero your crew needs,” Lee adds.
100 Crashes, 10 Lives Lost – Don’t Add to the Toll
Between 2019 and 2024, St. Patrick’s Day alone saw nearly 100 alcohol-related crashes in Minnesota—and 10 deaths. “Celebrate, but do it responsibly,” Hanson urges. “Your choices affect everyone on the road.”
Bottom Line
This St. Patrick’s Day, swap bad decisions for smart ones. Plan ahead, lean on sober rides, and keep the only “spirits” around you the ones in your glass. Let’s make sure the only thing green this weekend is your shirt—not your luck. 🍀
#DriveSober #StPatsSafety
