How to Avoid Common Injuries on St. Patrick’s Day

Overview:St. Patrick Day is a beloved holiday for many, but it could also result in unexpected injuries that could be avoided. With approximately 31.5 million Americans claiming Irish ancestry, it’s no surprise that St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated throughout the country.

Although the lucky holiday was established in Ireland, a lot of modern celebrations that take place in the U.S. are, of course, American. This is, in part, due to the fact that the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in Boston in 1737, not Ireland.

This is because Boston and New York have long laid claim to being the centers of Irish immigration. Thus, this is perhaps the most telling fact when it comes to the Irish holiday’s popularity here in America.
SOURCE: Where is the Oldest St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in the World?

Modern St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes wearing green clothing and drinking beer with a full day of socializing and festivities (and let’s not forget fried cabbage and yummy corned beef).

However, as enjoyable as this celebration is, it sees a fair share of accidents and injuries. And you might be surprised to learn that drinking-related accidents aren’t the only potential danger on this day.

Although the celebration is falling on a Thursday this year, it’s important to note that those taking part in the festivities will likely take to the streets and bars on the weekend. So to keep you safe and your loved ones accident-free, let’s take a look at the most common St. Patrick’s Day accidents.

Common St. Patrick Day’s Accidents & Injuries

• Car accidents caused by drunk drivers
• Pedestrian fatalities involving drunk drivers
• Over-consumption accidents and injuries
• Physical altercations
• Domestic violence

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that somewhere between 25 to 40 percent of accidents and crash fatalities are caused by drunk driving. Thus, St. Patrick’s Day is dangerous because drunk drivers with less moral values and elevated fun will pay less attention than required.

Injuries Following a St. Patrick’s Day Accident:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations, bruises, cuts, and other injuries associated with physical altercations
• Whiplash
• Chest or torso injuries
• Loss of limb
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

People victimized by drunk driving incidents end up suffering from broken bones, spine or neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organs damage, to name a few.

These injuries can leave a person with large hospital bills and ongoing medical costs. The victim may end up being paralyzed and paying for the fault of others while surfing from his pocket or, even worse, the victim could end up dead.
RELATED READING: Traumatic Brain Injury: Causes, Prevention, and More

Interesting St. Patrick’s Day Statistics

• The average party-goer consumes 4.2 beers.
• Beer sales increased by 174% on St Patrick Day.
• On St Patrick Day, 62% of deaths involve drunk drivers.
• Every 30 minutes, an alcoholic accident causes death.
• Between 2012 – 2016, there were 269 casualties over St Patrick Day.
• The crash fatalities on St Patrick Day occur between midnight and 6 am.
• A report from 2018 claims 73 deaths during the holiday season.

According to a report by Wallethub, St. Patrick’s Day was the third most significant holiday in the United States at one point. Keeping this in mind, it’s no surprise that there is an increase in accidents in the middle of March.

Another statistic shows that, at one point during St. Patrick’s Day, one life was lost every 46 minutes in the state of Ohio.

According to the research, 49% of respondents stated they will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year.

The number of casualties of St. Patrick’s day is relatively lower than other celebratory events since there are fewer drivers on the road. However, even out of that small pool of drivers, some are drunk walking — yes, getting into accidents while simply walking.

How to Stay Safe While Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

The statistics we’ve discussed reveal that the most significant danger and cause of accidents on St. Patrick’s Day is impaired drivers. With that in mind, let’s consider some practical steps to take for safety during St. Patrick’s Day.

• Plan ahead by designating a sober driver
• Never drink and drive
• Have an alternate plan in the event you cannot find a designated driver (call a friend or family member, stay at a nearby hotel, call a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, stay the night at a friend’s, take public transportation with a friend, etc.)
• Drink plenty of water and eat food (especially if you are drinking during the day)
• Never leave your drink unattended
• Keep an eye on your friends

Tips for Drivers:

• Pay attention to your surroundings and watch for signs of impaired drivers
• If you think another driver is under the influence, keep your distance and call the police with as much information as possible
• Never try to follow or approach drunk drivers
• Watch for pedestrians, especially in busy downtown areas
• If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day parade, keep an eye on your children, watch for items thrown from floats, and remember to wash your hands frequently
• If you feel any level of impairment, do not get behind the wheel.
• Whether you decide to drink or not, it’s best to minimize your time on the roads, and be cautious while crossing if you do have to enter the roads.
• Always make sure to use a designated driver. Plan and appoint one or more sober people for driving purposes. It’s better to plan a night stay at one’s place to enjoy the moments to their fullest while avoiding the following consequences.

It’s crucial that you know how to spot a drunk driver and maintain a safe distance if you suspect someone is under the influence.

These individuals make erratic moves and can change course unexpectedly. While this is applicable advice for everyday of the year, it’s important to be more alert during a holiday, as more people will be susceptible to intoxicated driving and, thus, unsafe driving.

In summary:

Sadly, people often make unfortunate decisions amidst having fun, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception with drunk drivers and DUI arrests spiking. Even despite all the precautionary measures, accidents still occur.

This is why you need to be aware and take precautionary steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

If you’re involved in St. Patrick Day’s accidents this year, please don’t hesitate to contact the William D. Shapiro Law, Inc.

William Shapiro

William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.