Take the Lead
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner – March 17, to be exact – when many will dress in green and celebrate one of America’s most popular “drinking” holidays.
As people make their plans to enjoy parades, parties and green beer, you’ll want to encourage your employees to have fun and be safe. As a safety leader, you have a unique opportunity to foster a culture of safety and accountability – on the road, at work and beyond – by amping up education and awareness around making responsible choices.
Why it Matters
Alcohol misuse doesn’t just impact individuals, it can affect workplace productivity and safety, and raise questions regarding liability. Get alcohol-impaired driving facts from the National Safety Council. Know this:
- Nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic fatalities involve alcohol-impaired driving. In Texas, 677 people were killed in crashes in March and April 2023, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, and more than 1,000 were killed in crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol throughout the year.
- More than half of drivers injured in crashes nationwide have alcohol or drugs in their system at the time of an incident, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- The annual economic cost of alcohol-related crashes in the U.S. exceeds $57 billion, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
With St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on the horizon – and Alcohol Awareness Month following right behind in April – now is the perfect time to remind employees about making safe choices, whether that means arranging a designated driver, using rideshare services or knowing when to say no.
What Employers Can Do
Taking an active role in Alcohol Awareness Month can make a meaningful difference:
- Promote safe transportation options: Encourage employees to plan ahead for a sober ride home; consider partnering with local transportation services to offer discounted rides
- Raise awareness: Use internal communication channels to share statistics, safety reminders and personal stories about the impact of impaired driving
- Reinforce workplace policies: Review and communicate your organization’s stance on alcohol use, including any policies related to safety-sensitive positions
- Encourage a supportive environment: Provide resources for employees who may be struggling with alcohol misuse, including employee assistance programs
Boost Your Safety-related Efforts
Make use of these free resources to increase impact:
- Faces of Drunk Driving: Get print materials and video public service announcements from TxDOT
- Facts, social media assets and talking points: Get free resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to share ahead of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period
- Safety poster: Download and display our free poster – Designated drivers are good-as-gold friends
By taking proactive steps, employers can play a vital role in reducing alcohol-related incidents and keep employees, their families and members of the community safe. Let’s drive awareness and make responsible choices the norm.
Step into Health
A 30-minute walk can boost heart health, reduce stress and strengthen muscles and bones. Seize the opportunity on National Walking Day (Wednesday, April 2) to get everyone at your location up and moving, and to promote pedestrian safety. This annual event is sponsored by the American Heart Association.
Team Effort
Encourage employees to log their steps, whether going solo, walking with coworkers or as part of a company-wide event. Why not take your step challenge further by involving family members, too! Whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood, a trip to a local park or even a treadmill session, getting active together makes it more enjoyable and reinforces healthy habits.
Ways to Participate
- Take a 30-minute walk during your workday
- Organize a walking group with colleagues or family members (offer incentives for participation)
- Share your step-up experience on social media by posting photos and using the hashtag #NationalWalkingDay
- Take part in a fun word search activity: Parks and Playgrounds
Safety First
Walking is a great way to improve wellbeing, but pedestrian safety matters, too. Take a moment to review pedestrian safety tips, encourage others to do the same, and be mindful when driving near crosswalks. Small choices – like stopping for a pedestrian – can make a big difference.
When it comes to pedestrians, we can help you shape new safe behaviors. We have free resources on our website and YouTube playlist:
- Encourage everyone at your location to take this pedestrian safety quiz
- Download and display a set of four pedestrian safety posters (available in English and Spanish)
- Watch: Share this 60-second safety video from the National Safety Council – Build Better Habits, Keep Pedestrians Safe
- Get safety huddles, safety coach cards and infographics to aid in teaching
- Watch: Parking Lots, Hot Cars and Distraction
Get out, get moving, and take steps toward better health this National Walking Day!