FORT MYERS, Fla.-- As you make your St. Patrick's Day plans, don't forget to consider who will be driving you home after a night of drinking green beer.

In a recent AAA Consumer Pulse survey, 45 percent of respondents said they drove within a few hours of drinking at some point in the past 12 months. The main reasons cited by those who said they drove after drinking were they believed they were not intoxicated (77%) or they only had to drive a short distance (31%).

"No one should have to take unnecessary risks after drinking alcohol, especially since there are so many options for a safe ride home," said Ed Schatzman, senior vice president, Automotive Services, AAA Auto Club South.

So that's why the Auto Club is offering it's popular Tow To Go program during the St. Patrick's Day festivities.

AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser will protect roadways on St. Patrick's Day weekend with the Tow to Go program that has safely removed more than 13,500 drunk drivers off roadways since it started in 1998. Anyone can call for a Tow to Go ride Thursday through Sunday, March 17 - 20.

Anyone who needs a lift can call 1-800-AAA-HELP. The driver will be picked up, no questions asked.

The celebration at the downtown Fort Myers River District is scheduled to begin at 7pm, but roads will be closed as early as 4pm.

This free event is open to the public.

Entertainers include: Bryan Bonner a Traditional Irish Singer, No Way Jose, Cadence Wednesday, Cracker Blues Band, DJ Travv and DJ Maestro. Downtown bars, restaurants and clubs will open with green beer, corned beef and cabbage, and drink specials all night long