The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) runs a nationwide campaign to spread the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, encouraging positive behaviors and helping keep drunk drivers off the road during St. Patrick's Day.
St. Patrick's Day is one of the most popular drinking holidays. In 2023 it falls on Friday, which means more drunk drivers on the roads, resulting in a reasonably dangerous weekend for drivers and passengers alike. However, to make it a fun and festive holiday, it's critical to prioritize safety and plan for a sober ride home to avert impaired driving incidents.
If you're in Virginia and planning to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with alcohol, it's essential to plan for a safe and sober ride home. Fortunately, our Norfolk personal injury attorneys from Kalfus & Nachman have launched Safe Rides Home Campaign- #hurtlinesaferide on St. Patrick's Day to get you home safely – and for FREE! Check key details for the campaign here.
SAFETY TIPS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION
Impaired driving not only puts oneself at risk but also endangers the lives of others on the road. Therefore, it's crucial to make responsible choices and plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home this St. Patrick's Day. Here are some safety tips to ensure a fun and safe St. Patrick's Day celebration for yourself and those around you:
- Hold the party at home: If you plan on hosting a party, consider holding it at home to provide a safe place for people to sleep if they consume too much alcohol.
- Watch your drink: Always remain by your drink and never leave it unattended. You should also never accept an already-opened drink.
- Eat and stay hydrated: Eat well and stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking on an empty stomach is a good way to end your St. Patrick's Day celebrations earlier than planned.
- Watch out for your friends: Also, watch out for your friends and ensure they do not drink and drive. Take the keys from your inebriated buddy and allow a sober driver to drive them home safely.
- Plan ahead: It is vital to plan ahead if you are drinking. Have a designated driver or plan to take a taxi, rideshare service, or communities sober ride program.
- Designated drivers stay committed: If you're the designated driver, stay committed to your job and don't drink; others count on you. Make sure you keep your safety vow to yourself and your passengers.
- Be aware of drunk drivers: If you drive on St. Patrick's Day, stay vigilant and look for drunk drivers. Signs of impaired driving include swerving, erratic braking, inability to stay in the center of the lane, drifting in and out of streets, tailgating, driving slower than the speed limit, and abrupt or illegal turns.
KEY FACTS ABOUT DANGERS OF DRUNK DRIVING ON ST. PADDY'S DAY
St. Patrick's Day is a festive holiday that often involves drinking. Thus, also known to be one of the deadliest times on our nation's roads due to drunk driving. The following key facts highlight the dangers of drunk driving and why it is essential to keep drunk drivers off the streets during St. Patrick's Day:
- Drunk drivers account for almost one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States (with BACs at or above .08). Drunk-driving crashes took 11,654 lives in 2020, with one life claimed every 45 minutes.
- During the 2016-2020 St. Patrick’s Day period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18), 287 people died in drunk-driving accidents.
- In 2020 alone, 37 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Paddy's Day holiday period.
- In 2020, drivers involved in fatal crashes at night had a 3.1 times higher rate of alcohol impairment than drivers involved in fatal crashes during the day.
- During the week of St. Patrick's Day in 2022, 138 alcohol-related accidents, 72 injuries, and five fatalities occurred in the Commonwealth.
Drunk driving on St. Patrick's Day has been responsible for multiple fatalities in the past, and it is crucial to take precautions to prevent drunken driving. These precautions include designating a sober driver or having an alternate transportation plan before the party begins, staying extra vigilant on the road, and reporting signs of impaired driving to the authorities. Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving, and every single drunk driving death is preventable.
VIRGINIA DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT LAWYERS FOR YOUR HELP ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY
It is clear that St. Patrick's Day is a perilous time on the roads due to the increased incidence of drunk driving accidents. According to the NHTSA, car accidents increase on St. Patrick's Day by as much as 41 percent. However, these crashes are entirely preventable if people act in a responsible manner while celebrating.
Wishing you all the luck of the Irish this St. Patrick's Day! Stay safe, drive sober, or plan for a sober driver to keep drunk drivers off the streets. If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident on St. Patrick's Day, it is essential to seek the help of a seasoned drunk driving accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Kalfus & Nachman's top-rated personal injury lawyers in Virginia have decades of experience in auto accidents and DUI/DWI cases. We can help you build a strong case and fight for your rights. Call us for a free consultation today: 855-880-8163
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