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It seems like everybody wants to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. There’s nothing wrong with going out and having some fun, but St. Patrick’s Day and the closest weekend to it is a time of increased injuries and fatalities. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 57 people were killed in alcohol-related automobile crashes during a recent St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
St Patrick’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, so it makes sense to take a few extra precautions to remain safe if you plan on partying or if you are going to be out walking, driving, or riding a bicycle between 6 pm on Friday, March 15 and the early morning hours on Monday, March 18.
What Causes St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Accidents?
The most frequent and concerning cause of injuries and fatalities during St. Patrick’s Day weekend is drunk driving accidents. Nobody who is intoxicated should ever get behind the wheel of a car. It doesn’t make sense to risk hurting yourself, your passengers, and others. Unfortunately, DUI drivers pose a serious threat to all of us.
The state of California has implemented strict penalties to discourage drunk driving, including fines, driver’s license suspensions, probation, jail time, mandatory DUI school, counseling, and ignition interlock devices (IIDs). People convicted of DUI will also have to live with a permanent criminal record and pay thousands of dollars in legal fees.
Trip- or slip-and-fall accidents are a frequent cause of injuries on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Walking around a crowded bar, restaurant, or private party presents all sorts of situations that might result in a fall, including tripping over objects carelessly left on the ground or slipping on a wet surface caused by a spilled beverage.
If you attend a pool party, be careful when walking on poolside pavement that may be slippery, and always avoid swimming if you are intoxicated.
Violent crime is another threat to watch out for on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. This includes rowdy revelers who are prone to starting fights for no reason and criminals who target people for violent crimes, such as robbery or sexual assault.
Tips for Keeping Safe
Even if you don’t plan on attending any festivities this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, it’s still a good idea to apply basic safety measures and keep an eye out for hazardous situations. Here are some recommendations to help prevent injuries:
- Walk safely and remain alert when crossing the street.
- Buckle your seat belt before your trip begins.
- Drive defensively, obey all traffic laws, and don’t make any risky maneuvers.
- Watch your step and avoid tripping hazards.
- Avoid dark areas such as parking garages and streets that don’t have bright traffic lights.
- Be extra careful when using stairs, ramps, and escalators.
- Never use a handheld device while driving, and avoid other distractions.
- Plan ahead by arranging for a rideshare or a designated driver if you plan on drinking.
- Don’t allow friends to drive when they’ve been drinking.
- Never accept a ride from someone who may be intoxicated.
- Find out about your local Sober Ride programs and take advantage of them.
- Never accept a drink from a stranger, and only consume drinks that have been prepared in front of you.
- Always bring along one or more friends. This will discourage bad actors from taking advantage of you.
Were You Injured by Another Person’s Careless or Harmful Behavior?
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