The Dangers Posed by St. Patrick’s Day Drivers

By Grant Law Office on February 25, 2023

It makes sense to exercise caution if you plan to be out and about on St. Patrick’s Day. This holiday is one of the most dangerous times to drive. Along with corned beef and cabbage and the wearing of the color green, St. Paddy’s Day celebrations often involve drinking green beer, shots of Irish whiskey, Guinness, and other alcoholic beverages. With pub crawls, private parties, and residents gathering in bars and restaurants, alcohol consumption is abnormally high – with more drunk drivers sharing the streets and highways.

Facts About St. Patrick’s Day Accidents

A total of 11,654 individuals were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2020, which amounts to one fatality every 45 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). During the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, from 6:00 pm March 16 to 5:59 am March 18, 36% of traffic fatalities involved a drunk driver. Alcohol-impaired driving killed 287 individuals during that time.

Common Causes of St. Paddy’s Day Crashes

Drinking and driving, walking while intoxicated, and reckless behavior are the main contributing factors to St. Patrick’s Day accidents. Common causes of traffic crashes on this holiday include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Alcohol is a depressant that slows the activity of the central nervous system, including the brain. It can impair vision, reaction time, motor skills, and judgment. Drug use can be equally dangerous. Marijuana slows reaction time and decision making, impairs coordination, and distorts perceptions, as reported by CDC.
• Speeding: For decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all traffic deaths, as stated by NHTSA. Consequences of speeding include greater potential for loss of control, increased stopping distance, and greater crash severity causing more severe injuries.
• Tailgating: Following too closely is dangerous, aggressive driving behavior. It significantly increases the risk of a rear-end collision.
• Disregarding traffic signs or signals: Drivers who run red lights or stop signs can plow into other vehicles traveling through an intersection. Deadly T-bone collisions are a common consequence of disregarding traffic signals or signs.
• Unsafe lane changes: Cars and trucks have blind spots. Before switching to another lane, drivers should check carefully to ensure the lane is clear. Failure to do so can lead to serious accidents.

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

Impaired driving is illegal in Georgia and every other state. Nevertheless, approximately one million individuals in the U.S. are arrested every year for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as stated by CDC. If you are going out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, the following tips can help you stay safe on the road:

• Do not drive after consuming any alcohol. If you plan to drink, appoint a designated driver, call an Uber or a taxi, or have a friend or family member pick you up.
• Do not let your friends drink and drive. Never accept a ride from anyone who has been drinking.
• If you are driving, try to choose a route with less traffic. The fewer vehicles there are, the lower the risk of a crash.
• Stay within the speed limit and wear your seatbelt to help reduce the risk of serious injuries.
• If you are walking, drink responsibly. Try to stay in a group and remain alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly while crossing streets.

If you have been injured in a St. Patrick’s Day accident that was someone else’s fault, our Atlanta car accident attorneys at Grant Law Office can help. We have been advocating for injured residents and citizens for more than 30 years. Contact us at (404) 995-3955 to schedule a free consultation with no time limit.