St. Patrick's Day safety tips

NORFOLK, Neb. --  St. Patrick's Day is this Thursday and the festivities are gearing up in Nebraska. 

Many celebrate the day with a plate of corned beef and cabbage and a pint of Guinness, while others will be out celebrating.

From 2015-2019, 280 lives were lost in drunk driving accidents on St. Patrick's day according to the NHTSA.

The first step to staying safe is pre-planning the night out.

"Having a plan worked out so that when you are done celebrating, you can safely make it back home is very important," said Captain Mike Bauer of the Norfolk Police Division. "Whether that be through a taxi, the new Norfolk lift system, a friend or relative, or simply that designated driver."

You might think that avoiding the roads may be the thing to do, but for those that are walking home, danger still lies ahead.

According to the NHTSA, in 2019, 31 pedestrians walking home were killed in traffic crashes

Captain Bauer had another piece of advice for travelers on Thursday.

"When you are in that vehicle as a passenger or as a driver the single most important thing to do to ensure your safety and protect from injury is to wear your seatbelt," he said. "So I'd ask everybody to buckle up. I know it's a cliche but will actually save your life."

And he says to remember buzzed driving is also drunk driving.