Green Lights & Buzzer Beaters: A Safe March in Missoula

March is a whirlwind of excitement in Missoula! From the vibrant green celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day to the thrilling buzzer-beaters (more on this is a second) of March Madness, there's always something to look forward to.

At Drive Safe Missoula, I find myself reflecting on how we Missoulians can enjoy these festivities while keeping our community safe.

I've noticed that many of us are making great choices when it comes to getting around Missoula. I see more and more folks choosing to plan ahead and designate a sober driver, or using ride-sharing services when they're out celebrating. I've had the pleasure to taking several Uber rides recently and the driver's I have spoken with, really appreciate the people who choose to ride with them when they've had a few drinks. It sounds like the driver's appreciate the important role they play in helping to keep our roads safer. It's really encouraging to witness this commitment to responsible decisions. When I see this happening, it makes me proud of our community.

This March, many people are thinking about how we can amplify those positive choices. For instance, have you ever considered hosting a "Ride Share Only" party? Imagine a gathering where everyone commits to arriving and departing safely via a ride-sharing service. It's a fantastic way to celebrate without any worries about driving afterward. It's a trend that we are seeing more and more of, and we are loving it.

And of course, I've noticed that most every time we hop into a vehicle, we make sure we always buckle up. In fact a record number, over 95%, of Missoulians are wearing seat belts. It's a simple habit that makes a world of difference. I have also noticed that more and more people are choosing to have alcohol free celebrations. I'm also seeing more and more alcohol free drink options at stores and restaurants. Way to Go Missoula and thanks to those businesses. It shows you really care.

For those of us exploring a sober lifestyle, March can be a great time to discover new ways to enjoy the festivities. It doesn't have to be all about green beer. Feel free to experiment with some delicious mocktail recipes, there are so many creative options out there. I love to see people enjoying a night out and staying sober oh...and...I officially propose the term "Buzzer-Beater" to refer to non-alcohol drinks. Everyone loves a great Buzzer-Beater!

March is a perfect time to celebrate the positive choices we're all making. Thanks for continuing to support each other and for creating a safe and enjoyable environments for everyone.

Share your own safe celebration tips with us in the comments below! We are always looking for new ideas.

From all of us at Drive Safe Missoula and Missoula Public Health, have a wonderful and safe March!