Common St. Patrick’s Day Accidents
St. Patrick’s Day, a beloved holiday for many, is just on the horizon. It’s no surprise that St. Patrick’s Day is such a popular celebration in the United States, with about half the population joining in on the festivities. March 17th is typically filled with green beer and bar hopping. But it is also one of the most hazardous days of the year. That’s why we have compiled a list of common accidents and some tips to avoid them and remain safe this St. Patrick’s Day.
Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated on this holiday, so DUIs and drunk driver accidents spike at an alarming rate.
St Patrick’s Day Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
- On this holiday one person dies every 51 minutes due to drunk driving.
- Approximately 30 percent of all fatal traffic incidents occur this day and
- Nearly 1000 people died on the road on this holiday between 2006 and 2016.
The people involved in the crashes had blood alcohol levels that were double the legal limit according to DUI tests. It’s no surprise that the number of accidents and fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day are this high, as it ranks fourth among other holidays for drinking.
Common Injuries
Although the most likely, car accidents aren’t the only dangers to be aware of on St. Patrick’s Day. Here’s a look at some of the other types of accidents that take place over the Irish holiday:
- Pedestrian accidents involving drunk drivers
- Over-consumption related injuries
- Domestic violence
- Assault
Safety tips for St. Patrick’s Day
Here are a few ways to stay safe this holiday!
- Sober drivers: Drive slowly, wear your seatbelt, keep an eye out for pedestrians and drunk drivers on the road,
- Stay off the streets after midnight, if possible
- If you host a party, offer non-alcoholic beverages or mocktails
- Encourage people to stay the night or make other arrangements before the party
- Buckle up
Despite your best efforts, there’s still a risk you’ll get involved in an accident on St. Patrick’s Day. Contact us right away if you or a loved one is hurt in a car accident or another type of accident over the holidays.
