Watch Out for Drunk Drivers around St. Patrick’s Day

A pint of green beer and pretzels on a table.
A pint of green beer and some pretzels on a table.

St. Patrick’s Day is all about having good fun, and it’s a great opportunity to get out there and share in the festivities that celebrate our nation’s rich Irish culture and Saint Patrick – the Patron Saint of Ireland who, the legend goes, helped banish the snakes from Ireland.

Philadelphia is obviously a great city to get into the spirit of this exuberant holiday. From our lively parade to our neighborhood bashes, we know how to keep the party going. Unfortunately, however, St. Patrick’s Day, like many holidays, also fosters an increased risk of being injured by a drunk driver.

While the holiday is about so much more than whiskey and green beer, some revelers say goodbye to their good sense and fail to drink responsibly. If you’re injured by a drunk driver this St. Paddy’s Day, you need the professional legal counsel of an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer on your side.

This Year’s Parade

Philadelphia's famous St. Patrick's Day parade is obviously a highlight of the holiday. It's important to note, however, that this year's parade will be held on Sunday, March 15th, instead of on Tuesday, March 17th (the official St. Patrick's holiday). Be sure to adjust your schedules accordingly. This year's theme is 250 Years of Faith, Family, Friendship, and Heritage, and the parade will begin at 1:30 PM on the 15th. Because the parade is two days early this year, it’s likely to act as a kickoff to the green-themed holiday, which means that the danger associated with drunk drivers is likely to be exacerbated.

The St. Patrick’s Day Holiday

Whether you’re of Irish descent or not, St. Patrick’s Day is fun for everyone. The holiday, however, can include some alcohol-induced merriment. Many St. Paddy’s Day parties are adult in nature, and the booze may flow freely. While there is nothing wrong with hoisting a celebratory Guinness, this does not hold true if you’ll be the one getting behind the wheel at the party’s end. St. Patrick’s Day is not an excuse to drive while impaired.

The fact is that it is easier than it’s ever been to avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol, and planning ahead helps ensure that you don’t make bad decisions in the heat of the moment. Consider all of the following:

  • If you will be driving, plan on not drinking at the party
  • Designate a driver ahead of time who will commit to driving sober at night’s end
  • Plan on staying over at your host’s home
  • Hop in a rideshare like Uber or Lyft, so you don't have to worry about driving – or parking – in the first place
  • Ask a sober friend for a ride (if your plan not to drink goes awry)
  • Keep your eye out for impaired revelers and help arrange safe rides home for them
  • Always drink responsibly – regardless of the occasion

Drinking and driving is always a terrible idea. If you plan on celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day in style, you should make careful plans that help ensure you do so safely.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving isn’t just a St. Patrick’s Day thing – it’s a problem all year round. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), however, asks all drivers to pay special attention to this Irish holiday. DOT shares that drunk driving killed more than 10,000 people in 2015 alone and that about a third of all traffic deaths are due to drunk driving. When you’re facing a holiday that’s closely linked to adult beverages – like St. Patrick’s Day – DOT relays that paying attention to the issue can help reduce the risk of accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Everyone Is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day

While everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, it's important to keep your perspective this March 17th – and every day. Driving while under the influence is dangerous, and the St. Paddy holiday is closely associated with drinking. Taking precautions that include planning ahead, limiting the amount you drink, and limiting the amount of time you spend on the road (because not every driver is as conscientious as you are) are the best way to help protect you and your loved ones from an accident involving a drunk driver this St. Patrick's Day.

If You’re Injured by a Drunk Driver, You Need an Experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer

Impaired driving is closely associated with traffic fatalities. If you’re injured by a drunk driver this St. Patrick’s Day, the dedicated car accident lawyers at Mattiacci Law, LLC, in Philadelphia are here to help. Our results-driven and compassionate legal team is committed to helping you recover on your damages in their entirety. We’re on your side, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 215-709-7915 for more information today.  

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