SpotCrime Go Bragh!

In spirit of St Patrick's Day, most people (Irish or not) like to celebrate with Irish style. From wearing green and orange to dressing like leprechauns to drinking alcohol and partying. Normally, when a holiday is mixed with alcohol, there is trouble looming around the corner.

Check out the SpotCrime map for St Patrick's Day 2010 in Annapolis, MD. The screen shot is from the downtown area where most of Annapolis' bars are located.

You can see a few assaults, thefts and a vandalism. Not saying these crime are a direct result of alcohol and St Patrick's day, just an observation. To tell the truth, I assumed the map would be covered more in vandalism and arrests than what is shown. However, the police department most likely did an awesome job patrolling the streets that day to help prevent incidents before they occurred. The PD also probably set up DUI checkpoints as preventative measure against drunk driving.

But here are some tips to stay safe and keep you and your friends out of trouble.

Get a sober drive or call a cab.  A DUI just isn't worth the time, money or experience.  Even if you are out for a few drinks, you may drink more than you think.

If you see a drunk diver on the road, don't hesitate to call the police.  You may be saving their life.

If you know someone who is impaired and is about to drive, take their keys and help them make other arrangements.  Talk them out of their decision to drive.

Eat and stay hydrated.  Make sure you monitor how much you drink.  You can die from alcohol poisoning.  And not very many people are fun to hang around when they have had just way too much to drink.

Erin Go Bragh! And Stay safe!