For some Americans, St. Patrick’s Day is time to attend mass and say a prayer for missionaries around the world. For others, it is a time to reconnect with Irish roots and appreciate their heritage. For many, it is simply a time to wear green and drink beer. If alcohol is going to be a part of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration, it is important to consider steps to take to make sure you are safe.
Drunk driving accidents increase on many holidays. A holiday where drinking is a primary activity, such as New Year’s Eve or St. Patrick’s Day, can lead to a sharp uptick in the number of fatal car accidents. The best way to avoid these problems is not to drink, but that is not a preferred option for many. If you are planning to drink alcohol at a restaurant, bar or party this St. Patrick’s Day, you should have a designated driver to get you home safely.
Hosting a party brings additional responsibilities regarding safe transportation. You can be held liable, under certain circumstances, if one of your guests drives drunk and gets in an accident. If you are serving drinks, you should also serve food. You should have soda, water or other non-alcoholic alternatives for your guests. You need to keep an eye on the party and make sure that drunk partygoers are getting home by cab, bus, with a designated driver or in any other way than driving themselves.
Drinking and driving kills thousands of people every year. It is important to be vigilant in making sure that you do not contribute to the problem this St. Patrick’s Day.
Source: WKYC.com, “NHTSA: Designate a sober driver on St. Patrick’s Day,” by WKYC Staff, 13 March 2015
