Dear Letters Editor:

This St. Patrick’s Day, millions of adults will toast the patron saint with parties and parades.  But it takes more than shamrocks, leprechauns and the luck of the Irish to make sure everyone who celebrates gets home safely.

If your plans include alcohol, celebrate responsibly and make plans for a designated driver.  More than 148 million American adults have been a designated driver or been driven home by one, according to a projection from a survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation CARAVAN® 2009.

The use of designated drivers and alternate transportation are encouraged among St. Patrick's Day revelers.  Drunk-driving fatalities are down 44 percent nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in part to efforts of the community and individuals using designated drivers and increased law enforcement. 

Remember, Responsibility Matters – volunteer to be the designated driver or have one chosen for your group at random at www.facebook.com/buddesignateddriver.  The page also features responsible party tips and awards one designated driver each week with an MP3 player.

Sincerely,

Joan Lunsford

Consumer Awareness & Education

A&B Distributing Company

10777 High Point Road

Olive Branch, MS  38654

662-895-2828