St. Patrick’s Day is a beloved holiday in Northeast Philly, but unfortunately, because the festivities often involve heavy use of alcohol, it’s also one of the more dangerous ones.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), high numbers of alcohol-related car accident fatalities occur every year on St. Patrick’s Day. Statistics indicate between 2009 and 2013, 276 people died in car accidents on St. Patrick’s Day.
Here are some St. Patrick’s Day safety tips to keep in mind as you celebrate.
Designate a Sober Driver
This year, the NHTSA is planning a St. Patrick’s Day safe driving campaign titled, “Buzz Driving Is Drunk Driving.” It will encourage partiers to designate a sober driver to take them home if they’ve been drinking.
Figure out who is going to avoid alcohol for the night. A good incentive might be to pay for the designated driver’s meal and other expenses for the night. Or if you spend the holiday – or other holidays – with the same group of family and friends every year, take turns being the designated driver. Remember, driving drunk puts the driver, the passengers, others on the road, and pedestrians and bicyclists at risk of serious injuries or death.
Hire a Designated Driver Service Instead
If no designated driver is available or nobody wants to take on that responsibility, look into hiring a designated driver service in your area. The Northeast Philly region has several of these services, which will pick you up from your venue and drop you home safely for a fee.
Watch out for Drunk Motorists
Look out for motorists who are driving under the influence of alcohol. Typically, an intoxicated driver will drive erratically or at high speeds. He may veer between lanes or leave his lane too often. He also may drive at inconsistent speeds. Sometimes, drunk driving can cause a person to drive the wrong way on a freeway.
Keep this in mind whether you’re on the road yourself or if you’re a pedestrian in the area. If you notice any of these types of behaviors, pull over to a safe area and call the police immediately.
Get Legal Help if a Drunk Driver Injures You
Alcohol-related car accidents can result in severe injuries. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an alcohol-related car accident, speak with a car accident lawyer about filing a claim for compensation. Call 215-642-2335 to discuss your claim with car accident lawyer Michael Saile. You can also fill out our contact form to set up a consultation.
