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Every year adults across the country spend time putting on their green, getting out, and gathering at bars and pubs for the time-old tradition of St. Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately, the first thing on many folks’ minds isn’t about how they can make it through the night safely.
Drunk driving is just one of the many dangers you can find during this weekend. From just 2016 to 2020 alone, 287 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day period. (NHTSA) A sobering statistic when you think about how St. Patrick’s Day is actually one of the deadliest days to be on the road.
At Jones & Swanson, we understand the focus on fun when it comes to these types of holidays. But, we also want to reiterate the importance of focusing on measures you can take to make sure you make it through the night safe and alive.
Here are just a few tips you can use to make this weekend a holiday you won’t forget, and only for good reasons:
Drinking? Drop the keys.
The first thing you need to consider before you go out for the night is how you’re going to get home.
- Plan for a ride. To avoid the possibility of possibility of drinking and driving, choose to have a friend be a designated driver or order a ride from a ride-sharing app. Never get behind the wheel of a car when you are not sober.
- Watch your friends. Make sure that you watch out for others and if you notice somebody who is clearly intoxicated trying to get behind the wheel, don’t let them drive. Encourage the person to stop, and offer to help them get transportation home. If all else fails, Call for help from the place you are at, or 911. You may just be saving more than one life that day.
Pace Yourself
Know your limits when drinking. The celebration should be for fun and you shouldn’t push yourself to overindulge just because you see others doing it.
- Alternate. Pace yourself by alternating water in between drinks, and know your limits if you start feeling unwell. Not only will this help with hangovers, but you’ll help prevent overconsumption.
- Look for signs. Pay attention to those around you who may seem they’re overly intoxicated, check in on them, and ask how they are doing. If you notice someone else is unconscious or confused with a pale or blue color to their skin. Call 911, alcohol poisoning is deadly.
Watch your drinks
Never assume that everyone’s plans for the night are harmless fun. Danger lurks in every corner.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended. It is easy for someone to pass by and put something in your drink the second you avert your eyes. Pay attention to it at all times, and if you suspect something may have happened to it, don’t take the risk. Pour it out and get another drink.
Secure your belongings
- Only bring the essentials. Phone, keys, and wallet; these should be your primary items and shouldn’t take up too much space in a pocket or small crossbody bag. Keep your items close and within reach at all times.
Trust your instincts
If something doesn’t feel right or for any reason, you feel unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself from any situation.
- Stay visible. Do not wander off from crowds alone, or go down alleyways and empty streets. If you find yourself walking alone, always make sure someone knows where you are, or have a friend on call if you have no other choice.
- Plan your route. Always have an out to any situation. Know your exits, and know where to go in the event of an emergency. Try and plan ahead if you are attending multiple events. It’s best to have an emergency contact on call if you need assistance.
