2021 St. Patty’s Day will be a bit different this year, but celebrations will still be happening across the state. Although many parades and public events will be held virtually, people are still planning to celebrate with family and friends at restaurants, bars and at home. It is important to remember that attending gatherings does increase your risk of contracting and spreading Covid-19. Safety should be priority when planning your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Please remember to follow the CDC guidelines to protect yourself against the virus. It is also vital to plan for a safe and sober ride home.
To learn about local events and celebrations within your community it is best to go online and check out the information provided by your local Patch publication.
The Annual Dangers that are Linked to St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is undoubtedly one of the rowdiest holidays of the year. There are approximately 32.3 million people in America with claims to Irish heritage, and even those with no Irish decedents love to participate in the festivities. It’s predicted that over half of the U.S. population will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year creating millions of opportunities for accidents to occur.
To help keep everyone in your group and family safe this year, review these common St. Patrick’s Day safety tips to help prevent unnecessary injuries this holiday:
- No Drinking and Driving: According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), St. Patrick’s Day is the fourth most popular drinking holiday of the year. At least 69 percent of crash fatalities involve drunk drivers on this day, and 3 out of 4 fatal drunk driving accidents involve a driver whose alcohol level is twice the legal limit. Make sure no one in your group is driving under the influence this St. Patrick’s Day. Use public transportation or ride-sharing apps as a safer option for getting home in one piece.
- Drunk Walking Can Be Dangerous Too: With an increase in drunk drivers and an increase in drunk pedestrians, fatal pedestrian accidents skyrocket on St. Patrick’s Day. The NHTSA reports at least 36 percent of pedestrians who are killed in car crashes on this holiday had blood alcohol levels over the legal limit of .08. Try not to consume too many drinks when out at a bar or an event. Stay with your group, only cross at crosswalks, and stay far from the curbs to avoid stumbling onto a busy road.
- Alcohol-Related Illnesses: Aside from becoming injured in a traffic accident, binge drinking on St. Patrick’s Day can cause alcohol poisoning and extreme dehydration that can result in future health consequences or possibly even death. Make sure you are staying in control of your alcohol consumption and watching your water intake throughout the day to avoid becoming ill.
- Keep Your Pets Safe: It may seem fun to bring your pet to a parade or Irish celebration, but there are tons of hazards to watch for. Shamrocks and alcohol can be toxic to pets when consumed, but they seem to want to taste them anyway. Parades and celebrations with loud noises can also make them nervous and anxious. Try attending a nice quiet celebration if possible or find someone to keep an eye on your pet while you are out. For more pet safety tips, visit the Center For Pet Safety.
Have a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Jacobs & Wallace!
Jacobs & Wallace- Connecticut Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to negligence of another, contact Connecticut accident attorneys at Jacobs & Wallace. We are here to fight for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a FREE case evaluation. No fee, unless we win!
