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St. Patrick’s Day is a beloved holiday filled with Irish cheer. However, it is also a holiday known for excessive drinking and car accidents. This year, if you plan on attending the festivities, be sure to be safe and responsible.
St. Patrick’s Day is a lot of fun, but there are many dangers as well. Across the United States, police and law enforcement will be preparing for St. Patrick’s Day, hoping to protect all motorists from the dangers of drunk driving.
In 2020, 57 percent of Americans celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, with the average celebrator drinking approximately 4.2 alcoholic drinks, according to WalletHub. The risk of getting in a drunk driving accident is high on St. Patrick’s Day. In fact, it is the third biggest drinking night of the year, behind Mardi Gras and New Year’s Eve. Fortunately, you can follow these safety tips to avoid an accident on St. Patrick’s Day.
It is never okay to drink and drive. Many people think that one or two drinks cannot adversely affect their driving abilities, but they are mistaken. Recent studies have shown that even one alcoholic drink can cause impairment and impair your ability to maintain focus.
If you do plan on drinking, make sure you arrange plans ahead of time to get home safely, and do not drive. Have someone in your group be the designated driver for the night.
You could also get a hotel room nearby to save yourself from having to find a ride home. If no one wants to be designated driver, use public transportation or a taxi service. Rideshare apps like Lyft or Uber will also be readily available on St. Patrick’s Day, so be sure to take advantage of their services.
When you are out, always be aware of your surroundings. Always know where your drink is, and never accept a drink that is handed to you, especially by a stranger. Be sure to only accept drinks that you have seen be made by the bartender.
Do not bring expensive jewelry with you, and never leave your belongings out in the open. Limit what you carry with you, especially cash.
Friends never allow friends to drive drunk. If you suspect your friend may want to drive after drinking, be sure to get their keys before you go out and arrange a ride for them to get home safely.
You may think it is a good idea to walk home from the bars, but walking home drunk has resulted in pedestrian accidents and fatalities. Do not walk home. Instead, get a ride from a taxi or rideshare service.
If you are the designated driver, drive defensively and assume that there will be drunk drivers out. Keep a safe distance between your car and others and give them the right-of-way.
There will be plenty of pedestrians out as well, so be aware of them in crosswalks and walking in between parked cars. If you suspect another driver is drunk, do not follow or approach them, and contact the police right away. Always follow traffic laws and be sure to buckle up your seat belt.
With the dangers that are likely out on St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a party is a better, safer option. Arrange rides for everyone, or offer them to stay the night and take their keys.
Offer plenty of food to offset any alcohol, as well as offer water to keep everyone hydrated. Finally, stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party to allow your guests to sober up.
St. Patrick’s Day is often celebrated with food and alcohol, but there are some people that celebrate irresponsibly. Our Wilmington car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help you after a drunk driving collision. Call us at 302-656-5445 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.