As Saint Patrick’s Day approaches, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and nearly 200 local law enforcement agencies urge motorists to plan a safe ride home and never get behind the wheel after drinking.  Now through the March 17^th holiday, state and local law enforcement officers across Illinois will have an increased presence to crack down on drunk drivers as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.  The holiday means many Illinoisans will be celebrating with family and friends at local parades, restaurants and drinking establishments.  These celebrations can turn deadly if someone chooses to drink and drive.  According to data from IDOT, over the past five years in Illinois, 10 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes on Saint Patrick’s Day alone.  Two of those fatalities resulted from crashes in which a driver had been drinking alcohol.  In 2013, 3 people died in crashes and one of those fatalities resulted from a crash in which a driver had been drinking alcohol.  If you are having a party, remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served is involved in an impaired driving crash, so make sure all guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.  If you’re at a party have a designated driver, find another way home or spend the night.  And always buckle up, as it is still your best defense against an impaired driver.