By Connecticut Attorney, Richard P. Hastings

St. Patrick's Day Connecticut DUI Law

Maewyn Suucat, who was also known as Patricius the Cleric or St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, was reported to have died on March 17th 493. March 17th has evolved to be, both inside and outside of Ireland, the day we celebrate St. Patrick's life which consists of the wearing of green, parades and, in many cases, excessive drinking.

On Patrick's Day in 2005, almost 60% of all motor vehicle fatalities, which occurred that evening and the early morning hours of the next day, involved drivers with a blood alcohol contact (BAC) of .01 or higher and of those almost 90% had a BAC of .08 or higher. Operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in every state.

In addition to the risks involved with getting into an accident and seriously injuring or even killing someone you should know that as a result of a Department of Transportation grant DUI enforcement will be increased this St. Patrick's Day including increased DUI checkpoints.

There are a great number of percentages we can take to prevent the needless tragedies that result from drunk driving crashes. The most obvious precautions includes:

• Choose on selecting a designated driver who will agree that consume any alcohol
• If you have been driving and your ability to operate a motor vehicles is impaired get a ride from a sober friend or relative or call a cab
• Report drivers you see on the road who appear to be operating their vehicle while under the influence
• Insist that your friends not drive drunk and take their keys away if necessary to prevent them from operating their vehicle

The risks associated with drunk driving are so great and can have devastating life altering consequences including:

• Killing yourself or someone else
• Seriously injuring yourself or someone else
• Arrest, conviction and loss of your license
• Dire financial consequences and the emotional trauma which can result from these consequences

Don't forget: Have fun on St. Patrick's Day but remember before you have one drink too many that 100% of all drunk driving accidents are preventable.

Read here, for more information on Sobriety Checkpoint Law in Connecticut.

Read here, for more information on financial liability of DUI accidents and Dram Shop Law.

Richard P. Hastings is a Connecticut personal injury lawyer at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP, with offices throughout the state. He is the author of the books: "The Crash Course on Child Injury Claims"; "The Crash Course on Personal Injury Claims in Connecticut"; and "The Crash Course on Motorcycle Accidents." He can be reached at 888-244-5480. Contact the experienced and dedicated Connecticut Personal Injury Attorneys at Hastings, Cohan, & Walsh, LLP today, to get all your questions answered!