This year’s St. Patrick’s Day will be a time of celebration for many, but there is a danger for the holiday to turn deadly.

AAA East Central advises partygoers to celebrate with safety in mind. By planning ahead, motorists can avoid a possible OVI and keep themselves and others safe.

“Not only can a OVI result in devastating crashes, but a conviction can weigh heavily on your pocketbook,” says Lori Cook, safety advisor for AAA East Central. “Alcohol and driving should never mix, and simple steps taken before a celebration can go a long way towards keeping you and everyone around you safe.”

Tips for avoiding OVI:

Make transportation arrangements before you head out for the night. Some options include:

– Designate a driver.

– Take a cab, or a ride share.

– Utilize local public transit.

Other recommendations for a safe St. Patrick’s Day:

– Rent a hotel room or stay overnight where you are.

– If hosting a party, offer non-alcoholic drinks to designated drivers. If possible, provide overnight accommodations to guests who’ve been drinking.

– Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.

– Commit to never driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

– If you suspect a driver is under the influence, stay as far behind their vehicle as possible and as soon as it’s safe to do so, pull over and call 911.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 72 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. News releases are available at [news.eastcentral.aaa.com]news.eastcentral.aaa.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.