St. Patrick’s Day Drunk Driving Fatalities
St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated throughout the United States every year, with parties, parades and other festivities. However, like other holidays, it increases the risk of drunk drivers on the roadway and results in injuries and fatalities. Since almost 32.3 million people are of Irish descent in the United States, it is no wonder that it is a popular celebration. Unfortunately, it can be a deadly celebration also. Traffic accidents related to alcohol rise around St. Patrick’s Day, and since it falls on a Sunday this year, many people will start celebrating early.
St. Patrick’s Day Stats
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that one individual dies every 51 minutes due to drunk driving on St. Patrick’s Day. In all, 38 percent of drivers die due to an accident on this holiday, and roughly 32 percent of all fatal traffic accidents happen on this date. Between the years 2006 to 2010, approximately 700 people died on the road on this holiday. DUI testing showed that the individuals involved in the accidents had a blood alcohol level of twice the legal limit. Most fatal crashes occurred during the post-party period of midnight to 3 a.m. Since St. Patrick’s Day ranks fourth among other holidays for drinking, it is small wonder that the number of accidents and fatalities are high on this particular holiday. Pedestrians are also at risk of drunk driving accidents.
Drunk Driving on St. Patrick’s Day
The NHTSA reports that St. Patrick’s Day is a time when the number of traffic fatalities increases between 25 and 40 percent. Binge drinking contributes to these accidents. Statistics gathered by the NHTSA showed that 75 percent of drunk drivers exhibited blood alcohol (BAC) level in excess of 0.16. The NHTSA makes the following recommendations to have a safe celebration:
- Don’t let drunk friends drive. Arrange alternate transportation such as calling an Uber or taxi. Remember, the average cost of a DUI is high monetarily. It is cheaper and safer to call a cab.
- Offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Take the keys of anyone who is drunk and should not drive.
- Have a designated driver whenever possible before you venture out to a party.
- If you are driving, don’t drink.
- Use the NHTSA SaferRide App: This convenient, easy-to-use app will pair you with a safe ride home. It can be downloaded on Google Play for free. It is available for both Apple and Android users.
- Look for safe rides home: The NHTSA has also put out a list of safe and sober rides in each state. Look for ones in California by clicking the following link.
- Plan alternate transportation before your celebration begins. Planning ahead can save lives.
- If you are out and about over the weekend, make sure to wear your seat belt, and use extra caution, keeping an eye out for drunk drivers.
- Never get in a vehicle with a drunk driver. Even if you are sober, this act can make you partially at fault for your injuries.
- Report any drunk drivers you see on the road. In many instances, the police can stop them before an accident happens.
Legal Advice After an Accident
A personal injury lawyer with experience in drunk driving accident injuries can help you obtain the compensation you need. By investigating the accident, including police reports, witness accounts, and video footage, where available, the lawyer can build a case that can prove driver negligence. Paying high medical costs, time lost from work and other expenses should never be the duty of someone who was injured through another’s negligence.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Motor vehicle accidents are often traumatic, resulting in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial loss. The sense of injustice is compounded when a drunk driver was the cause. For my free and friendly advice, call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 elsewhere in Northern California. In addition, our online “contact us” form is fast and easy to use, and I will get in touch with you.
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