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MSUPD talks St. Patrick's Day safety

March 17, 2019
<p>From left to right, kinesiology senior Whitney Woodbridge, psychology senior Therese Diola, interdisciplinary studies in social science and health studies senior Taylor Parks and nursing senior Aubrey Dwyer enjoy a drink March 17, 2014, in the morning at Dublin Square Bar on St. Patrick's Day. Patrons crowded into the bar early morning, lining up outside around 7 a.m. Allison Brooks/The State News</p>

From left to right, kinesiology senior Whitney Woodbridge, psychology senior Therese Diola, interdisciplinary studies in social science and health studies senior Taylor Parks and nursing senior Aubrey Dwyer enjoy a drink March 17, 2014, in the morning at Dublin Square Bar on St. Patrick's Day. Patrons crowded into the bar early morning, lining up outside around 7 a.m. Allison Brooks/The State News

St. Patrick's Day is this weekend, and the Michigan State University Police Department has some safety tips for those celebrating around campus.

Capt. Doug Monette said it's important to celebrate responsibly by:

  • Traveling in groups.
  • Walking on well-lit sidewalks and parking under lights.
  • Communicating where your going to your group.
  • Being aware of your surroundings.

It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more. Also, for those under 21 years of age, it is against the law to transport alcohol in a vehicle when someone over 21 is not present.

If there is no one over 21, it can result in a misdemeanor charge, even if the car is parked.

"If you are going to celebrate with alcohol and things of that nature, you need to be old enough to possess as well as to consume," Monette said. "No one should ever drink and drive. That's just an unsafe thing and the outcomes of that are just not a path anyone wants to go on."

To combat drunk driving, the city of East Lansing is offering free overnight parking on St. Patrick's Day.

From Sunday, March 17 at 6 a.m. to Monday, March 18 at noon, designated parking lots and garages will be free in an effort to promote public safety.

If for whatever reason MSU students find themselves in trouble with the law, through the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU), MSU students can receive legal services for free. Services include:

Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP)

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)

Disorderly Conduct

Assault

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