Wear Green and Drive Safely
March 17th is Saint Patrick’s Day, an occasion often marked by the eating of corned beef and cabbage and the drinking of green beer. With COVID-19 related restrictions beginning to ease up throughout California’s counties, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued a press release this week stating that they will be on high alert for impaired drivers during the Irish holiday. The press release was issued in conjunction with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to remind state residents to drive safely. Buckle up, avoid distractions, slow down, and do not drive while impaired, advises the CHP Commissioner. Those that choose to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day by imbibing should always have a safe ride home planned in advance.
The Laws Have Not Changed
The CHP is also reminding drivers throughout the state that although traffic patterns have changed over the last year due to the pandemic, the laws and rules remain the same. Officers will be on increased alert for signs of impaired driving. The press release includes a reminder that impairment is not caused solely by alcohol. Drivers can be arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana, illegal drugs, and even prescribed medications.
A Deadly Traffic Holiday
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) documented 327 fatal car crashes related to alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day 2020. The agency reports that drunk driving is responsible for nearly a third of all vehicle-related fatalities nationwide.
In California, St. Patrick’s Day 2020 saw the CHP arresting 67 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. That same day, 31 people statewide were injured in drug- or alcohol-related crashes. This year, the CHP and OTS seek to turn that number into zero by urging drivers to make a safe and sober ride home a primary part of their plans for celebration.
Watch the YouTube video. Below is a news clip reporting on the CHP press release.
How Other Drivers Can Help
Other drivers on the roads can always assist with keeping our state’s highways safe by reporting suspected impaired driving to 9-1-1. To do so, pull over safely or have a passenger call with the location, subject vehicle’s description and license plate number, and the direction of travel.
Don’t Test Your Irish Luck – Have Holiday Fun at Home
A surefire way to stay away from impaired drivers on St. Patrick’s Day is to celebrate at home. Here are some ideas to recognize the holiday without leaving your house:
- Bake some Irish soda bread. No yeast needed, this centuries-old staple uses baking soda to raise the dough. Here is a simple recipe.
- Attend a virtual Saint Patrick’s Day festival – straight from Dublin, Ireland.
- Make a Shamrock Shake. Whirl up some vanilla ice cream, milk, mint extract (or peppermint schnapps if you are so inclined), along with a few drops of green food coloring.
- Play St. Paddy’s Bingo with your kids. There are many websites with instructions and printable bingo cards.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Thanks for reading – I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer who has been an advocate for injured Sacramentans and all Northern Californians for close to four decades. If you have been injured due to the actions of an impaired or otherwise negligent driver, please do not wait; reach out to our injury lawyers promptly for free and friendly legal advice. We want to put you in the best position to recover monetary compensation for your damages. Call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400, or send your inquiry online.
Valuable information such as client reviews and prior case results can be accessed via the links below:
Photo Attribution: MMcB
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