Saint Patrick's Day Archives | Accident & Injury Chiropractic

(Updated) The Luck of the Irish can’t protect you from being in a car accident this St. Patrick’s Day! But there are things that can! As the 4th most popular drinking holiday after New Year’s, Christmas, and the 4th of July, St. Patrick’s Day is known for its alcohol-based parties—and alcohol-related car accidents. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that anywhere from 25 to 40 percent of crashes on St. Patrick’s Day are caused by drunk driving. What can you do to lessen your risk of being in an accident this March 17th? Drink your green beer or Irish whiskey at home. If you do go out, be aware that drunk driving accidents are three times more likely to occur at night when visibility is low and other motorists have had more time to get drunk themselves. Consider partying during the day and calling it an early night—or take the party home when the sun goes down. At the very least, be home by midnight. If you choose to be the designated driver for your friends, stick with your decision and don’t drink! Many times, designated drivers opt to have a drink anyway. Don’t be that person! Did you know that the majority of people who drive drunk don’t actually exceed the legal alcohol limit by much, and they often don’t even recognize that they are drunk? If you feel buzzed, you’re considered drunk in the eyes of the law. In fact, the NHTSA is currently conducting a drunk-driving prevention campaign with the slogan “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.” A good rule of thumb is, if you’ve had even one drink, you shouldn’t be driving. And keep an eye on your friends. They may think they’re perfectly fine to get behind the wheel, but if they’re buzzed, don’t let them! Make a plan in advance. One of the most common reasons drunk motorists end up on the road is lack of planning. Will you take a bus, cab, or Uber to the bar or party? Or will you have a designated driver? If you do drive yourself, surrender your keys to a trusted friend who will keep them from you if they think you’ve had too much. You also might consider booking a hotel room or planning to stay with a friend or relative who will pick you up at the end of the night. While you’re at it, pick your route to travel to and from the festivities. Choose less traveled roads. Fewer cars means fewer chances of an accident. Whether you drink or not on St. Patrick’s Day, use extra caution if you’re on the roads. Make sure your seatbelt is buckled, stick to the speed limit, and drive defensively. Drunk drivers tend to drift over lane lines, so stay as close to the right side of your lane as you can to avoid a head-on collision or being sideswiped. Keep extra distance between your car and others. Never assume you know what another driver is going to do. Be prepared for the unexpected. If you do end up in a car accident this St. Patrick’s Day, come to one of our 19 Accident and Injury Chiropractic clinics near you. We will help you get back to your old self again as quickly as possible. Have a happy St. Patrick’s Day, stay safe, and remember, we’re here for you!