Whether or not you’ve of Irish heritage, St. Patrick’s Day very well may be an occasion on which you celebrate. If that is the case, you’re not alone. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, St. Patrick’s Day 2020 was relatively subdued. Festivities in 2021 on St. Patrick’s Day may not be at “traditional levels,” but they are expected to pick up from what occurred in 2020. As a result, roadway risks likely will spike upward during the 2021 St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
Deadly St. Patrick’s Day Car Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration considers St. Patrick’s Day to be one of the deadliest on U.S. highways and other roadways. In fact, according to the NHTSA, one person dies every 51 minutes on St. Patrick’s Day in some type of drunk driving car accident. Most fatal St. Patrick’s Day car accidents occur during the time period from midnight to 3:00 a.m., following what for many people is a day of celebration.
Keep Safe on St. Patrick’s Day
The NHTSA has developed a list of strategies designed to keep you and others safe on St. Patrick’s Day. These are suggestions above and beyond those being made by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention in the interests of public health and protecting against coronavirus transmission during the St. Patrick’s Day Holiday. These safety strategies are:
Never let friends drive when they are intoxicated. If no one wants to be the so-called designated driver, take advantage of rideshare options and other forms of alternative transportation. In the grand scheme of things, it’s far safer to spend some money on an Uber, Lyft, or taxi than it is to contend with the aftermath of a DUI. Plan alternative transportation options before the celebrating begins.
- If you’re having a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, be sure to abide by CDC guidelines associated with COVID-19 but pay attention to protecting against guests who drive drunk. This includes offering plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages to guests.
- If you’ll be driving on St. Patrick’s Day, don’t drink.
- Wear your seatbelt when motoring on St. Patrick’s Day (as you should on all days of year).
- Never get into a vehicle with a driver behind the wheel who is not sober.
- Report any drivers you reasonably believe to be drunk immediately to law enforcement.
Protect Yourself After a St. Patrick’s Day Car Accident
If you’re involved in a St. Patrick’s Day car accident caused by someone else’s negligent driving, including a motorist that appears to have been intoxicated, there are some steps you need to take to protect your important legal interests. Of course, first and foremost, you need to make sure that any injuries you sustained appropriately are attended to in the aftermath of a car accident.
Make certain you obtain complete contact information from the driver you believe is responsible for causing a St. Patrick’s Day car accident. In addition, obtain insurance information from those involved in an automobile accident as well.
Document the car accident scene by taking photos or making a video of it. Photograph or video your injuries as well, as much as you reasonably and appropriately can document them in this manner.
Obtain the names and contact information from any witnesses to the car accident as well. If possible, obtain a brief statement from them about what they witnessed.
Be as proactive as possible in reaching out to an experienced car accident lawyer, like a member of The Doan Law Firm legal team. You can reach us any time of the day or night by calling (800) 349-0000. Our car accident telephone line is staffed seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, including all major holidays (like St. Patrick’s Day).
We can schedule an initial consultation at any one of our 40 offices located from coast to coast in the United States. We can also schedule an appointment with you at your home, at a hospital, or anywhere else convenient for you. We can arrange a virtual appointment online as well. There is never a charge for an initial consultation and case evaluation with a car accident lawyer from our firm.
The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee promise to you. We never charge an attorney fee unless we win your case for you.