Police Host 2024 Don’t Press Your Luck Anti-Drunk Driving Event

Published on March 07, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. – Shamrock and roll this St. Patrick's Day with a sober driver.

St. Patrick’s Day festivities frequently involve alcohol, and unfortunately, some celebrators make the dangerous choice to get behind the wheel after drinking, putting themselves and other travelers at risk of serious harm. It’s important to remember Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and your decisions effect the wellbeing of you, your passengers and all other travelers. Before the celebration begins, plan your sober ride home - whether it’s by using a ridesharing service, taxi, public transportation, or designated sober driver.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13,384 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2021 throughout the United States. There were 272 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period (6:00 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18) between 2017 and 2021. Impaired driving is 100% preventable and why the Arlington County Police Department is working with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death.

Don’t Press Your Luck Event Information

As part of the Department’s anti-drunk driving educational efforts, the Arlington County Police Department is hosting an interactive event highlighting the impacts alcohol has on motor skills -- because even one drink is one too many to get behind the wheel. This event is free and open to the public.

DATE: Saturday, March 16
TIME: 8-10 p.m.
LOCATION: N. Irving Street at Wilson Boulevard in Clarendon

Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary “No Parking” signs in the event area. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222.

SoberRide® Program

The Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s (WRAP) 2024 St. Patrick's Day SoberRide® program, in partnership with Lyft, will be offered from 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 17 until 12:00 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024. For additional information on WRAP's program to ensure area residents have a safe way home on high-risk holidays, visit their website.