For many people in Fairfield County and across the country, St. Patrick’s Day is a time for the “wearin’ of the green,” chowing down on corned beef and cabbage and hoisting a few beers in celebration. Responsible revelers know to avoid driving. They’ll call a cab or a ride-share service. Or they will find a designated driver.
Unfortunately, some people make reckless choices on this big drinking holiday. They will get behind the wheel after having a few and pose a serious threat to everyone else using a road in Fairfield County – from I-95 to I-84 and all the routes in between.
How dangerous are the roads on St. Patrick’s Day?
According to SCRAM Systems’ “Sobering Up” blog, St. Patrick’s Day is the fourth most popular drinking holiday in the United States. Here are some eye-opening statistics about drinking on March 17:
- 20 percent of all adults in the United States will attend a party in a bar or restaurant.
- 54 percent of revelers will choose beer, 19 percent will drink hard liquor and 9 percent drink both.
- 69 percent of fatal accidents involve drunk drivers between midnight and 5:59 a.m. on March 18.
- 75 percent of crash fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day involve a driver who is over twice the legal limit.
What are responsible choices on St. Patrick’s Day?
If you’re planning to party on March 17, you will need to make sure you get home safely. Designate a sober driver, take a taxi or use a ride-share service. If you’re aware that someone is planning to drive home after drinking, encourage them to find alternate transportation.
You might see a driver who is swerving or operating erratically. Don’t hesitate to call police immediately.
What to do if injured in an accident?
Drunk driving accidents happen every day in the United States, and the number tends to jump on St. Patrick’s Day. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 30 people died in drunk driving crashes on St. Patrick’s Day in 2015.
If you are injured or a loved one is injured or killed, you will need an experienced attorney protecting your rights. The insurance company for the drunk driver may try to downplay your injuries. If a loved one died, the insurance company may try to offer a quick lowball settlement. Insurance companies typically try to find ways to minimize payouts to victims who are facing serious financial hardship due to an accident.
Drunk driving accident attorney Jeremy Vishno can put his experience to work for you in Fairfield County and throughout Connecticut. Let Attorney Vishno fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.