St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular holidays of the year, and it is also one of the most dangerous. Although this holiday is a Catholic feast day for the patron saint of Ireland, it has become the largest drinking day of the year in the United States and many other countries in the world. Unfortunately, more drinking equals more drunk or impaired drivers on the roads, placing other motorists and pedestrians at a considerable risk of devastating accidents. In fact, ⅓ of all vehicle-related fatalities in the U.S. are due to drunk driving, and a microcosm of that statistic is produced each St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
The New Jersey and Philadelphia car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Vincent J. Ciecka, P.C. represent countless clients who have been in accidents on the road, many of which involve drunk driving. If you want to join in the celebrations and have a drink, we highly recommend that you refrain from driving, remain on high alert when crossing the street or walking to your next location, and arrange for a safe way to get home.
The Cost of Drunk Driving
The St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, lasting from 6:00 p.m. on March 16 to 5:59 a.m. on March 18, is one of the deadliest times to be on our nation’s roads. From 2014 to 2018, this period accounted for almost 250 deaths due to drunk driving crashes alone. Watch the video below for more information on the costs of impairment on St. Patrick’s Day:
Although these statistics are very concerning, you can still have a good time on St. Patrick’s Day without endangering or harming yourself and others.
The first thing to remember is that it is never safe to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or impairing drugs. It is best always to have a sober driver bring you home, whether it is a friend or family member, a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or public transportation. Additionally, if you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, make sure to take away the keys and make the appropriate arrangements to get him or her home safely. If you see a drunk driver, contact your local law enforcement immediately before a potentially fatal accident occurs on the road.
Be safe this holiday, and if you are involved in a serious car crash during St. Patrick’s Day weekend or any other time, call the New Jersey car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Vincent J. Ciecka, P.C. today for a consultation. We will hear your case and provide the best legal representation and advice you deserve!