St. Patrick’s Day Safety Against Drunk Drivers

Many people enjoy celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, which is strongly associated with drinking alcohol in bars and pubs. In the U.S., it ranks fourth as the most popular drinking day of the year after New Year’s, Christmas, and the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, the celebrating corresponds with a spike in alcohol-related crashes and other violations. Drunk driving is cited as the cause of one in three fatal crashes in the U.S. All Americans should be aware of the driving risks around St. Patrick’s Day and take precaution to avoid being involved in an accident. St. Patrick’s day safety is incredibly important.

Designate a Driver

Perhaps the single most important thing partygoers and hosts can do is play a responsible part in reducing the number of drunk drivers on the road during St. Patrick’s Day. If you will be drinking with friends, designate one person to drive. Many people do not realize that buzzed driving is considered drunk driving. You should also consider using a rideshare or taxi service.

If you will be hosting a party, have everyone designate a driver at the beginning of the evening and stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party. Do not let anyone who is drunk get into a car to drive home. Arrange a ride for them instead. If they get into an alcohol-related crash on the way home, you could be held liable.

Drive Defensively

It is best to stay off the roads during St. Patrick’s Day, but if you must drive, be on the lookout for impaired drivers. They may be identified by their erratic driving, including swerving, weaving, drifting across lanes, sudden acceleration or braking, or failure to use headlights after dark. If you spot a drunk driver, pull over and call 911 with the identifying characteristics of the vehicle, including the license plate number.

Be especially cautious at intersections where a drunk driver may fail to observe traffic signals or stop signs. Many of the fatalities in alcohol-related crashes occur when the driver speeds through an intersection without stopping. Avoid driving late at night or in the early hours of the morning when drunk drivers may be leaving St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This is statistically the most dangerous time to be on the road. Stay safe on St. Patrick’s Day by drinking responsibly and driving defensively.

Bucks County Accident Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Recover Compensation for Injured Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

If you or someone you love was injured in an alcohol-related crash, you may be eligible for compensation. At Freedman & Lorry, P.C., our experienced Bucks County accident lawyers will hold the responsible party accountable and obtain the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 888-999-1962 to schedule a free consultation or complete our online contact form. With offices in Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Pine Hurst, North Carolina, we represent clients throughout Pennsylvania.