March 16, 2026
What you should know
- Alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death in Oregon.
- Plan a safe ride home before drinking: a designated driver, rideshare or public transit.
- Alcohol misuse is linked to injuries, emergency department visits, chronic disease and impaired driving crashes.
PORTLAND, Ore. - As people in Oregon prepare for spring break travel and St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is offering a few tips for making safe and healthy choices when it comes to alcohol use and transportation.
Alcohol-impaired driving continues to be a serious safety concern in Oregon. In 2023, 200 people died in crashes involving a drunk driver in the state - about 34 percent of all traffic fatalities.
“Alcohol-related crashes are preventable tragedies," said Tom Jeanne, M.D., M.P.H., deputy state health officer and deputy epidemiologist at OHA's Public Health Division. “Celebrations like spring break and St. Patrick's Day can be fun, but it's important to plan ahead for a safe ride home and to look out for friends and family."
Before you celebrate ...
OHA encourages people to take these simple steps to reduce risks:
- Plan a safe ride home before drinking—use a designated driver, rideshare, taxi or public transit. In Portland, the Bureau of Transportation is once again offering discounts on taxi, Lyft and Uber rides in the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day (Tuesday, March 17) as part of its
Safe Ride Home Program.
- Never drive impaired and never ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Keep track of how much you drink and pace yourself.
- Look out for friends and family members and make sure everyone has a safe way to get home.
Alcohol's health impacts
State and national data show:
- About 16% of Oregon adults report binge or heavy drinking, consuming four or more drinks on one occasion for women or five or more for men.
- Alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death in Oregon, contributing to thousands of deaths statewide each year.
- Alcohol misuse is linked to injuries, emergency department visits, chronic disease and impaired driving crashes across the state.
Rethink the Drink
Through “Rethink the Drink," OHA encourages people in Oregon to better understand how alcohol affects their health and safety, especially during times of increased social gatherings and travel.
Alcohol use is associated with a wide range of health risks, including injuries, liver disease, heart disease and several types of cancer. Public health experts say even modest reductions in drinking can lead to better health outcomes and safer communities.
“Small choices, like drinking less, planning transportation ahead of time or choosing alcohol-free activities, can make a big difference," Jeanne said. “Our goal is for everyone celebrating to get home safely."
For more tips, visit
www.rethinkthedrink.com.
###