Avoiding DUI Accidents on St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17 each year. In 2018, it falls on a Saturday. The holiday is dangerous for drivers each year because of the number of people who celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with alcohol and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle. However, this year, with the holiday falling on the weekend, the number of DUI accidents could increase because many people will have the holiday and the day after off, so they will not worry about getting up for work after a night of merriment.
How Many People Die in DUI Accidents on St. Patrick’s Day?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), 269 people died in St. Patrick’s Day drunk driving accidents between 2012 and 2016. In 2016, 60 people lost their lives in DUI accidents over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. This number does not include the people who are injured in DUI accidents on St. Patrick’s Day.
Law enforcement agencies throughout California, including Fresno and Stockton, will be out in full force to watch for drunk drivers over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. However, you must also take precautions to avoid drunk driving accidents this weekend.
Steps to Reduce Drunk Driving Accidents on St. Patrick’s Day
As with any holiday weekend, you need to take steps to avoid drunk driving. If you are going out with friends, the easiest way to avoid a DUI is to designate a sober driver. You need a friend who will not consume any alcohol to ensure everyone gets back home safely at the end of the evening. If none of your friends are willing to be a designated driver for St. Patrick’s Day, you need to make arrangements for public transportation to and from the bar or party. If you have a large group of friends going to the same place, you could share the cost for a private driver.
As a driver on the roads over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, you should also use extra care to avoid an accident with a drunk driver. If you see a driver who is weaving in and out of traffic, crossing the center line, driving slower than normal, or exhibiting other strange behavior, put additional distance between you and the other driver. You can also report the driver to law enforcement who can investigate the matter and potentially stop a dangerous driver who may case an accident. If possible, avoid driving during hours when bars are closing, and people may be driving home from parties.
What Should I Do If I am Injured in a St. Patrick’s Day DUI Accident?
As with any other drunk driving accident, report the crash immediately and request emergency care. Our DUI accident attorneys can help you file a claim and seek compensation for your damages. You can contact Torem & Associates by calling (888) 500-5000or by using the contact form on our website. We offer free consultations for accident victims and their families.
We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable St. Patrick’s Day, but we also want to be here for anyone who is injured in a DUI accident by a negligent and careless driver.
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