St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday often associated with drinking, large gatherings, and spending time with friends. While this holiday may differ given the current COVID-19 pandemic, many families and friend groups will find a way to celebrate in a socially distanced and safe way.
However you choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, always put safety first. By following these five lucky tips, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe whether at home or on the road.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
St. Patrick’s Day, like many holidays, is a time to celebrate in which many adults choose to drink alcohol. If choosing to drink or be around others who are drinking, it is vital to pay attention to your surroundings. Never leave your drink unattended, keep tabs on your group, and keep an eye out for any potential hazards, such as slippery floors or uneven surfaces.
“Injuries happen unexpectedly, and they can have devastating consequences for victims and their families,” note injury lawyers at Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP. Mitigate accidents before they happen by being aware of your surrounding area and your surrounding company.
Plan Ahead
By planning ahead, you can help prevent unwanted accidents, whether drunk driving accidents or serious personal injuries. If you have a St. Patrick’s Day destination, make a plan of when you are going to arrive, who will be the designated driver, whether you will use a taxi or ridesharing service, and when you expect to arrive back home. Always have an alternative plan in case your original ride home is compromised, such as renting a room at a hotel within walking distance or calling a sober friend for a ride.
According to NHTSA fatal-crash data, in 2016, 60 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Paddy’s Day holiday period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18). If you plan to host people at your home, ensure sober drivers are staying sober. If possible, supply ample food and water to ensure your guests are staying hydrated and drinking responsibly.
Walk Defensively
Walking defensively could just save your life! Assume a driver cannot see you and always choose the safer, more well-lit pathway. Use crosswalks and never jaywalk. If a crosswalk is not available, stay as close to the right hand side of the street as possible.
To enhance your ability to react to potential distracted or drunk drivers on St. Patrick’s Day, opt for putting your phone away and turning off any music. Using all five of your senses while walking will help keep you safe from a potential pedestrian accident.
Drive Carefully
Obey all posted speed limits and signage. Approach crosswalks with added caution for pedestrians that may not be paying attention to walking signals or jaywalking.
Since holidays that often include drinking can create additional risks while on the road, it is important to know how to react if you come into contact with a drunk driver. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recommends being familiar with the following signs of drunk or drugged driving:
- Rapid acceleration or deceleration
- Tailgating
- Weaving
- Almost striking an object, curb, or vehicle
- Erratic braking
- Drifting in and out of traffic lanes
- Improper signaling
- Slow response to traffic signals
- Driving with headlights off at night
- Swerving
- Driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit
- Abrupt turns
- Driving into opposing traffic on the wrong side of the road
If you spot a drunk driver on the road, stay as far away as possible. Make note of the car’s model, make, color, and license plate if possible. Contact 911 and report a drunk driver, describing the car, location, and how the car was behaving.
Staying Safe
While luck may be on your side with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, it is important to make your own luck when it comes to safety. By driving carefully, walking defensively, planning ahead, and being aware of your surroundings, you can mitigate the chances of sustaining an injury on this wonderful holiday. Stay safe and stay alert!