RICHMOND, Va. — This year, as St. Patrick’s Day and the kickoff of the NCAA tournament coincide, friends across Virginia will be cheering for their favorite teams, donning festive attire, and raising glasses of green beer in celebration. Behind the excitement, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds everyone that responsible choices matter. Last year alone, preliminary data show from March 14–17, 95 alcohol-related crashes injured 60 people and claimed five lives—a reminder that one misstep can change lives forever.
Even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. Since 2021, at least one person in Virginia has died on St. Patrick’s Day each year due to an alcohol-related crash, highlighting the serious risks associated with celebrating and then getting behind the wheel. Impairment can begin well before a driver reaches the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08.
“Impaired driving is not part of the game plan,” said DMV Commissioner Dr. Gerald F. Lackey, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Before celebrating, make a plan for a sober ride. One responsible decision can protect your life and the lives of everyone sharing the road.”
The safest move is simple: arrange a sober ride before going out—designate a driver, use a taxi service or book a rideshare to get to a destination safely. Whether in the front seat or back seat, buckle up every time; it’s now the law. If hosting, make sure guests have non-alcoholic options and a safe way home.
To make the decision easier, discounted Lyft ride codes will be available in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads through the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s (WRAP) Sober Ride initiative and Drive Safe Hampton Roads. The codes are valid for St. Patrick’s Day Tuesday March 17, 2026, offering up to $15 off for participants 21 and older.
This March, don’t leave safety up to luck or the final score. Make a game plan. A sober ride is your lucky charm.
For more details on the discounted rideshare codes, visit WRAP’s Sober Ride program or Drive Safe Hampton Roads.