"Remember, one third of traffic fatalities on Saint Patrick's day are alcohol related..."

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

From a radio public service announcement advertising a take-a-cab program for St. Patty's day.

Question:

What percentage of traffic fatalities on a normal day are alcohol related?

I don't know, but I'm going to guess about one third.

(Maybe I overestimate the drunk-driving problem but to me it's one of those 'shocking' statistics that aren't really as shocking as intended. I was like, "Wow... only a third?")

[hedgehog]

1. I feel sorry for all the cabbies who end up having to muck vomit

out of their cabs after ferrying home drunks. There should be an automatic extra charge for that!

[HeresyLives]

2. Part of the old British strategy in Ireland

was to make the Irish sound uncouth, uneducated, savages...all that.

So they promoted the idea that the Irish were all drunks, and brawled constantly.

People have believed it ever since, even the Irish.

[dmallind]

3. According to MADD hyperbole, 41% is baseline

which would make sense. Only amateur boozers drink and drive on 3/17 given the police presence. Heck the real boozehounds won't even drink on it. Too tough to get served or a seat. Too many kids who can't handle beer trying to drink more than they can cope with and either throwing up or starting fights (or both). Prices get jacked up and foam gets further down the glass. And that green shit in beer? Nope. 3/17 and 12/31 you can guarantee I will NOT be at a bar,

[zipplewrath]

4. Idiots are out on 3/17

I frequent several Irish pubs in the area, well enough that I'm greeted a bit like Norm from Cheers. Most of us don't go anywhere near the places on 3/17. Idiots behaving badly basically. One year I went to drop something off for a friend and the owner said "what the heck are you doing here?". Everthing will be back to normal on Thursday. The band plays all weekend.

[monmouth]

5. The Irish celebrate by many going to Mass and then perhaps a dinner

of ham and cabbage. They laugh at the Americans' celebration, many of whom aren't even Irish, just an excuse to drink. Where's Jackeens when we need her for verification?....LOL...

[DFLforever]

7. I didn't know the Irish still went to mass

No one could be more pissed off with their church.

[monmouth]

8. Pissed off with the church, yes. Not with the Holy Spirit...n/t

[Dappleganger]

9. "many of whom aren't even Irish, just an excuse to drink."

It's just another drinking holiday, what's not to love?

[Ohio Metal]

10. Hear! Hear!

[The_Commonist]

6. Please refer to it as "St. Paddy's Day"

It's Peppermint Patty because she's a girl.
Paddy is for boys and saints.
It's also referred to as "Amateur Night" amongst professional drinkers, who would never drive drunk.