Watch out this weekend, Memphis: St. Patrick’s Day has arrived, and it coincides with March Madness.

Between the two, Tennessee state troopers expect the streets to be more dangerous than usual. They have set up 50 checkpoints across the state to check for impaired driving, and plan to have patrols out checking bars and watching the highways.

Last year, TN authorities made 18 DUI arrests on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Many more people than that most likely got away with driving drunk.

But when it comes to drunk driving statewide, 2012 has proven so far to be a more dangerous year than 2011. State troopers have already arrested over 1,000 drunk drivers – a 47% increase from this time last year.

In addition, studies show that more women are driving under the influence in Memphis and nationwide than in years past.

If you plan to go out this weekend to watch the Tigers play or to enjoy a glass of green beer, make sure to designate a driver. Never let a friend drive who is clearly intoxicated, even if it means calling security or backup to hold them inside a bar until they sober up.

Be cautious on the roads, or even better: avoid them altogether and make your green beer at home where you can cheer for the Tigers as loud as you want.

And remember that you can actually report impaired driving if you see it. Drunk drivers are often repeat offenders before the first time they’re ever caught, and helping police dispatch someone to stop them could save a person’s life. To report a DUI, call 911 with the following info:

 

    •     Location of the incident
    •     Direction the vehicle was heading
    •     Make, model, and color of the car
    •     License plate number of the vehicle

 

And if you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident with a drunk or careless driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Memphis car accident attorneys would be glad to discuss your situation with you for free.

Contact us today to get started.