Whether you're truly Irish or not, St. Patrick's Day has become one of the nation's biggest times to celebrate. It can also be one of the most dangerous holidays, as these celebrations often result in people taking to the roads after drinking. This year  St. Patrick's Day falls on a Friday, creating even more concern as officials say there's an increase in drunk driving accidents and deaths during this time, especially after the bars close.

Officials say the key is to have a plan before you party, to make sure you get home safely. Detective John Hatcher with the Casper Police Department says that can include having a designated driver, or taking advantage of programs such as "Safe Ride" in the Casper area.

"Any place that serves alcohol in Natrona County, you can ask a server to get you a voucher and they get you a ride home with a cab," says Hatcher. "It doesn't cost you anything, it's totally a donation-based program. We're just trying here in Natrona County to get you home safely."

"When you're out on St. Patrick's Day, make sure you're always buckling your seat belt," adds Cody Beers with the Wyoming Department of Transportation, "because you don't know what that other driver is going to be doing, you don't know if they've got a plan or not, so take care of yourself. Buckle your seat belt."

Detective Hatcher says if you're drinking, don't second guess. "I say it over and over again, if you think you've had too much to drink, you've had too much."

More From Rock 96.7