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St. Patrick’s Day Safe Ride Home

03/10/2010 03:10:00 pm Staff Reports

“While St. Patrick’s Day is an annual night of celebration throughout the region, we realize that the consequences of drinking and driving may not always be on the minds of those celebrating,” said Paul B. Harding, Managing Partner of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti.  “It is our hope that the Free Cab Ride Program stops people from getting behind the wheel impaired and provides a safe alternative for people to get home.”

In an effort to increase responsiveness and effectiveness of the program, the law firm will continue working in conjunction with Utica City Cab.

The program starts at 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, and runs until 2 a.m. Thursday, March 18.  Patrons who have had too much to drink can call 1-800-LAW-1010 to be connected to a Martin, Harding & Mazzotti representative.  The representative will ask for the patron’s location and then send a cab. There will be no charge, no obligation and no questions asked.

St. Patrick’s Day Alcohol-Related Facts:

  • On St. Patrick's Day 2008, 37 percent of the drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
  • Additional NHTSA statistics show that in 2008, there were 134 crash fatalities on St. Patrick's Day. Out of that number, 50 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

St. Patrick’s Day Safety Tips:

  • If you plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, remember to:
  • Plan a safe ride home before any celebration begins.
  • Provide non-alcoholic beverage options if you are hosting a party.
  • Plan in advance and decide on your transportation alternative before leaving home.
  • If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired or ride, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Call 1-800-LAW-1010 to request a Free Cab Ride Home - tell them Martin, Harding & Mazzotti is picking up the tab.

The Free Cab Ride Program is non-exclusive.  Patrons enjoying themselves at a bar without advertising for the program may also utilize the free service.