For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day is synonymous with a ‘touch of the Irish’ – aka the imbibing of lagers and Jameson. Worldwide, Guinness sells 13 million pints of beer every St. Patrick’s Day. Predictably, the fourth most popular “drinking holiday” also spikes drunk driving accidents. During the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, an alcohol-related accident happens every 74 minutes.
If you’re driving this St. Patrick’s Day, here are some tips to stay safe.
Tips For Staying Safe On The Road This St. Patrick’s Day
1. Spot drunk drivers
Drunk drivers have telltale signs, and you need to be able to spot them. If you see a car doing any of the following, the driver is probably intoxicated:
- Erratically changing speeds
- Suddenly braking
- Running onto the shoulder lane
- Following too closely
- Weaving from side to side
2. Err on the side of caution
If a drunk driver approaches you, give them a wide berth. It may slow you down, but letting a few cars pass you is much less inconvenient than getting into a drunk driving accident.
3. Don’t rubberneck
If you pass an unfortunate case of St. Patrick’s Day drunk driving on the road, don’t stare too hard – rubbernecking in traffic can get you into your own accident. Other curious drivers are probably also looking, which means they’re not as focused on driving as they should be.
4. Always wear your seatbelt
This one may seem obvious, but it bears repeating. Skipping your seatbelt is not just extremely unsafe, it’s also illegal. All drivers and front seat passengers are legally obligated to wear a seatbelt in Florida. Seat belts have been shown to save lives, again and again – there’s almost no excuse to be so careless.
5. Pick a designated driver
Even with the abundance of rideshare apps, there’s still an abundance of drivers who make the decision to drive home after drinking. If you’re adamant about bringing your car home from the bar, plan ahead and ask a sober friend if they can take you home. Or, just call a taxi or rideshare.
What To Do If You Were Injured In A Drunk Driving Accident
No matter how careful you are, accidents still happen. Sadly, hundreds of injuries – and deaths – happen every St. Patrick’s Day as the roads fill with revelers. If you or a loved one was injured in a drunk driving accident, the first thing you should do is to seek immediate medical attention.
Not only does prompt medical attention ensure your physical wellbeing, but it also provides evidence of your injuries and links them to the accident. If you delay medical evaluation, insurance companies may try to claim that your injuries are not as severe as you say, or that they were incurred after the accident.
The second thing you should do is to call an experienced auto accident attorney. Having a drunk driving lawyer on your side will optimize your chances of getting compensation you deserve for your injuries so you can get back on your feet. A drunk driving lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and ensure the insurance companies treat you fairly.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a drunk driving accident, insurance companies may try to minimize or deny your claim unfairly to preserve their own bottom line. Call BCN Law Firm to consult with an experienced car accident attorney today.