The Dangers of Driving on St. Patrick’s Day

By Dallas Personal Injury Attorney on February 10, 2023

Like many other festive holidays that occur throughout the year, St. Patrick’s Day is a day that often goes hand-in-hand with copious amounts of drinking. Unfortunately, this increases the potential for drunk drivers on the road, and an uptick in serious or deadly car accidents.

Statistics on St. Patrick’s Day Car Accidents

St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, and, for many, the tradition includes alcoholic drinks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that car accidents increase on this day by as much as 41% and, although drinking may not be the cause of every accident on St. Patrick’s Day, it is a contributing factor to the upsurge. Additionally, the NHTSA stated that more than a third of fatal crashes that occurred between March 16 and March 18 during the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day period involved an inebriated driver.

The Causes of St. Patrick’s Day Car Accidents

Drunk driving poses a higher risk for residents or visitors sharing the road on St. Patrick’s Day. Even if a driver only consumed a single drink, the alcohol could still affect reflexes, judgment, and or poor decisions that could cause an accident. Some of the accidents that happen on this day may also involve pedestrians and bicyclists. The dangers for those traveling by foot by bicycle increase on St. Patrick’s Day since drunk drivers are less aware. As a pedestrian or bicyclist, it is crucial to be more aware of drivers and look out for anyone who may be driving too fast or carelessly.

Tips for Staying Safe on the Road on St. Patrick’s Day

There are safety measures you can take to avoid being involved in a car accident on St. Patrick’s Day.

Here are some tips for you to follow:

• If public transportation is available in your area and the route schedule is aligned with your plans, this may be the cheapest and safest way for you to celebrate.
• Since ridesharing services are available in most areas, you may consider using Lyft or Uber for transportation.
• Not everyone drinks on St. Patrick’s Day, so if you or another friend in your group plans to opt out of alcohol consumption, that person can be the designated driver.
• Many accidents tend to happen late in the evening, so planning an earlier celebration can keep you off the road during the most dangerous hours of this holiday.

Drunk driving not only puts you and others on the roadways in danger, but there are also some serious legal consequences. In Texas, a first-time offender may face up to 180 days in jail and a substantial fine if convicted of a DWI.

Talk to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Dallas

If you were injured in an accident caused by a reckless or drunk driver, it is important to act quickly and speak to a Dallas personal injury attorney about your case to improve the chances of recovering fair and full compensation. At The Lenahan Law Firm, we could fight on your behalf to hold the responsible person accountable for your injuries. Call us at (214) 295-1008 to schedule a free consultation.