OPP Provide St. Paddy's Day Safety Tips

Friday, 15 March 2024 09:54

You should dress for the weather, wear bright clothing, and have a plan to safely get home.

OXFORD COUNTY - The OPP has some safety tips for those planning on celebrating St. Patrick's Day in some of the rural areas of Oxford County this weekend.

A lot of people like to enjoy green beers while celebrating, but Community Safety and Media Relations Officer Randi Crawford says you should have at least a few sober people at the party.

"If you have a bush party, it's always a good idea to have one or two people there who are completely sober just in case there is an incident that happens, they are able to respond to any safety concerns."

If you are planning on drinking this weekend, make sure you have a plan to get safely to and from wherever you need to go. This could include hiring a cab or arranging a designated driver beforehand.

If you're planning on walking home, make sure you dress for the cooler temperatures and wear bright clothing so it's easier to be seen when it's dark out. Crawford says it's also important to note that you could be charged with public intoxication if you are acting in a manner that's less than favourable.

Another option could be spending the night at a friend's house, but Crawford says you should still think twice before you get behind the wheel the next morning.

"Sometimes people think if they finish drinking at 3:00 a.m., by 7:00 a.m. when they leave for work on Monday they're completely sober and able to drive. That's not always the case, so you want to make sure you pace yourself properly and give yourself lots of time to be completely sober before you get into that vehicle."

Woodstock Police and Oxford OPP officers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers this weekend.

The Woodstock Police Service has also released some St. Patrick's Day safety tips, and you can find all of the details online here.

#OxfordOPP wants to wish everyone who celebrates St. Patrick's Day a safe, healthy and happy weekend! Please plan ahead! Stay hydrated, stay warm, stay smart, and if are going to drive...stay sober! #funinsafety ^rc pic.twitter.com/nPLLthzSDr
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) March 15, 2024