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by Mark Dubiel in Alcohol and Your Body, AZ DUI, Holidays

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Arizona! Whether you’re thinking of checking out the last night of the Pot of Gold music festival in Chandler, heading to Kelly’s At SouthBridge in Scottsdale or visiting a classic pub like Rosie McCaffrey’s, we wish luck of the Irish to everyone!

Special Occasions Change Behavior and Susceptibility

Thinking of sharing a pitcher of green beer with some friends this evening? You might want to consider that there has been a bit of research that indicates that people have a tendency to display more signs and symptoms of alcohol impairment when consuming “unusual drinks”—think unnatural colors or flavors—than other beverages with the same alcohol content and at the same rate. Don’t say we didn’t warn you when your friend starts thinking he’s a leprechaun.

DUI Patrols Are Out In Force

Even though the holiday falls on a Tuesday this year, remember that police officers will still be on the lookout for DUIs all over the state—in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Tucson. The departments will likely conduct “saturation patrols” and use task forces, with more officers on duty, especially in entertainment areas. According to the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, over the 2014 St. Patrick’s Day weekend, more than 230 drivers were arrested and charged with DUI, a number that had increased from 2013. We want everyone to be safe and enjoy all of that corned beef, cabbage, and green beer. So please, put on that cool green shirt and make sure that you and your fellow “Irish-for-a-day” friends have a sober driver, get a cab, or find another safe ride home. Slainte!!