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Fishkill Injury Attorney Serving Wappingers Falls, Beacon, Lagrangeville and Nearby Areas of Hudson Valley
Posted: March 15, 2023
St. Patrick’s Day is a special holiday recognized worldwide to honor Saint Patrick and the Irish culture. People celebrate with traditional feasts and lively music, making it a delightful event for many. However, St. Patrick’s Day also brings out dangerous instances of drunk driving due to excessive alcohol consumption associated with the celebration. To ensure everyone can enjoy this day safely and responsibly, let’s look at some tips for avoiding drunk driving on St. Patrick’s Day.
The Consequences of Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a serious offense that puts everyone on the roadway, including drivers and pedestrians, in danger. Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol impacts a person’s decision-making process, reaction time, and ability to drive safely. These actions lead to potentially disastrous results such as death and injury, property damage, costly fines, and possible jail time, not to mention long-term implications like reputation and career damage.
The Statistics of Drunk Driving on St. Patrick’s Day
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most dangerous holidays for drunk-driving crashes, with an average of 40% of traffic deaths resulting from impaired drivers. This number rose to 805 fatalities in 2021 – a grim reminder to celebrate this holiday responsibly.
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The Risks of Drinking and Driving
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is extremely hazardous and poses a grave risk to both the driver and those nearby. Alcohol consumption impairs motor skills, reaction time, and decision-making abilities; consequently, as consumption increases, so does the likelihood of an accident. Plan ahead and understand the risks associated with drinking and driving so you and those around you can remain safe.
5 Tips for Staying Safe on St. Patrick’s Day
If you plan on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, there are several steps you can take to stay safe and avoid the dangers of drunk driving.
- Plan ahead for a designated driver or alternative transportation.
- Limit your alcohol consumption and drink plenty of water.
- If you feel drunk, do not attempt to drive.
- Call a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, or ask a friend for a ride home.
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive.
Our service area includes Fishkill, Wappingers Falls, Myers Corner, Beacon, and LaGrangeville. For a free consultation, call 845-896-5295.
