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Preventing Drunk Driving on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is among the most festive days of the year. It is the fourth most popular drinking day in the United States, but the sad reality is many people make the dangerous decision to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 70 percent of fatal car accidents between the hours of midnight to 5:59 AM on March 18 involve drunk drivers. You can have fun on St. Patrick’s Day without becoming a tragic statistic. The following are tips for a safe holiday:

If You are Hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Party

If you oversee the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, there are steps you can take to ensure everyone has fun and gets home safely:

  • Before the party, remind guests to designate a sober driver in advance.
  • Offer non-alcoholic beverage options and plenty of food.
  • Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the party ends and encourage guests to eat and drink non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Take the keys from anyone you feel may be too drunk to drive.

As a host, you can be held responsible if your guest is involved in a drunk driving accident. If you feel a guest is too drunk to drive, do not hesitate to take their keys. You might just be saving a life.

If You are Drinking Alcohol During Your Celebration

If you are celebrating the holiday at a bar, restaurant, or party, make a conscious decision to be responsible and take steps to get home safely.

  •  Designate a sober driver or alternate transportation before heading out.
  • Never get in a car with an intoxicated person.
  • Never let a friend drive drunk and plan for them to get home safely.
  • Always wear a seat belt as it is the most important form of protection if you are in a      crash caused by a drunk driver.

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

NHTSAs “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” campaign reminds drivers that even a small amount of alcohol impairs a driver’s critical thinking, decision making, and muscle coordination. At a blood alcohol concentration of .02, the driver’s ability to perform two tasks at the same time is already impacted, along with their visual function. If you are celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day, choose a designated driver, arrange for safe transportation, or consider staying where you are until you sober up.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Advocate for Victims Injured in Drunk Driving Crashes

Even if you make smart decisions this St. Patrick’s Day, you are still at the mercy of other drivers on the road. In the unfortunate event you are involved in a drunk driving accident, the Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC can help. From your initial free case review, we are here to answer your questions and do all the work necessary to prove your claim. Call us at 215-569-8488 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Philadelphia, Abington, and Media, Pennsylvania; Haddonfield, New Jersey; and Wilmington, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.