St. Patrick’s Day: Great Fun Except for on the Roads

By Raymon Law Group on March 3, 2023

St Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. It is held every March 17th as a tribute to the patron saint of Ireland. Most Americans have turned St. Patrick’s Day into a holiday of partying and merrymaking. Unfortunately, this is one of the reasons why being on the road on St. Patrick’s Day might not be safe. Given the circumstances, the risk of accidents on this holiday is significantly higher than most days. Read on to discover why driving on St. Patrick’s Day is risky and what you should do if involved in an accident.

St. Patrick’s Day Accidents Statics

In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the holidays with the highest cases of accidents. Statistics show that accidents in the country increase by 25% on this particular holiday. This underlines the high risk of being on the road at this time of the year. Drunk driving is the most common cause of accidents on St. Patrick’s Day, accounting for about 40% of all accidents. The level of drunk driving increases significantly during this holiday; the cases of DUI double from an average day. There are about 300 car accidents on St. Patrick’s Day involving drunk drivers. Therefore, it is vital to practice safety on this holiday and prevent the risk of accidents.

Causes of Accidents on St. Patrick’s Day

There are several causes of accidents on St. Patrick’s Day. Knowing some of these causes will help protect you and your loved ones from potential risks. The causes include:

• Alcohol Consumption: As mentioned earlier, most Americans attend parties on this holiday. They drink and party for long hours, which becomes a problem when they get behind the steering wheel. Intoxicated driving is the biggest cause of accidents on St. Patrick’s Day. It is crucial to avoid driving after drinking lest you cause an accident. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk or careless motorist on St. Patrick’s Day, you may have the right to seek compensation.
• Speeding: Speeding is another common cause of accidents on St. Patrick’s Day. People rushing to different events or doing last-minute shopping tend to speed and cause accidents. With the many intoxicated drivers on the road at this time, speeding can cause catastrophic injuries. Drivers must avoid speeding to reduce the risk of accidents.

Common Injuries from St. Patrick’s Day Accidents

Accidents on St. Patrick’s Day tend to have severe consequences, given the nature of drivers on this day. Injuries sustained due to these accidents are often severe and can significantly impact your life. The common injuries suffered include:

• Broken bones and fractures ranging from minor threads to major injuries that require surgery and rehabilitation
• Concussions ranging from minor to severe
• Bruises, lacerations, cuts, and other injuries linked with physical alterations

How to Avoid St. Patrick’s Day Accidents

There are several ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the risk of accidents on St. Patrick’s Day. Here is how you can do so.

• Don’t drink too much: Know your limits when drinking. Drinking more than you can handle puts you at risk of intoxication and might cause accidents. Keep drinking to a minimal level to reduce the threat of accidents.
• Use a designated driver: If you and your friends are too drunk to drive, you should get a designated driver instead. Driving under these circumstances puts you and your friends at risk of accidents. Alternatively, you can use a taxi or public transportation to get home.
• Look for intoxicated drivers: Keep an eye out for drunk drivers and if you spot one, call 911 to report it and keep a safe distance away from their vehicle.

Let Our Personal Injury Attorneys Help

If you have sustained injuries in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver on St. Patrick’s Day, our Albuquerque car accident attorneys at Raymon Law Group are ready to help. We will help prove liability and increase your chances of getting compensated. Call (505) 390-1040 today to schedule an appointment with our trusted personal injury attorneys.