St. Patrick’s Day is a time to gather and celebrate with friends and family. Make time to create memories while being safe and understand the risks for the holiday weekend.
Know the Risks
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):[1]
- Automobile accidents on St. Patrick’s Day spike by 41 percent.
- Drivers who have been drinking alcohol are more likely to be involved in a car accident.
- Drunk driving is involved in nearly 40 percent of all fatal car accidents on St. Patrick’s Day.
- On average, the NHTSA records at least 300 car crashes on St. Patrick’s Day involving a drunk driver.
- There are more than twice as many alcohol-related accidents on St. Patrick’s Day compared to other days.
Stay Safe!
Drunk driving kills someone in the U.S. every 51 minutes. However, on St. Patrick’s day, someone dies in an alcohol-related car accident every 25 minutes, making the roads much more dangerous. “Please don’t allow the deadly consequences of alcohol-impaired and drug-impaired driving to ruin the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Make a plan to get home safely,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King. When it comes to making a plan for getting home safely, it is recommended that St. Patty’s Day revelers do the following:
- Never get into a vehicle with a driver who is intoxicated.
- Designate a sober driver, such as a shared ride service or taxi.
- Always wear a seatbelt, even in situations where it’s not legally required to do so.
- Consider alternative forms of transportation in which accidents are less likely to occur, like the bus or subway.
- Never let a friend or fellow reveler drive intoxicated. Make sure you and those in your group make it home safe.
The NHTSA publishes a wealth of information on driving statistics and risk factors connected to American holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day. Such information can help people prepare for a fun and safe holiday celebration. Read more about holiday risk factors and how to stay safe here.[2]
Got Hurt? Get NRS!
If you or a loved one are involved in a car accident or other injury on St. Patrick’s Day or over the weekend, please don’t hesitate to contact NRS Injury Law, Ohio’s leading personal injury firm. Call NRS Injury Law today at 855.468.4878, or fill out our convenient online contact form.
Sources Cited:
[1] NHTSA. “Put Safety First This St. Patrick’s Day: Plan a Safe Way Home, Before You Start to Drink.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2018. nhtsa.gov
[2] NHTSA. “NHTSA Reminds Holiday Revelers to Drive Sober.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2022. nhtsa.gov
