St. Patrick’s Day Increases Risks For Drunk Driving Accidents In Harrisburg
St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday everyone enjoys celebrating, regardless of where your ancestors hail from. The weekend features food, fun, and parades, along with plenty of green beer, Irish whiskey, and other specialty drinks. Unfortunately, the tendency to overindulge increases drunk driving car accident risks. Our Harrisburg car accident lawyer explains more about the hazards and what to do if you are injured by a drunk driver.
A Heavy Focus On Drinking Increases Harrisburg Car Accident Risks
The City Of Harrisburg is hosting the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16, 2024. The parade begins downtown at 2:00 p.m., with most bars and restaurants hosting parties and offering special Irish-themed alcoholic beverages as early as 11:00 a.m.
It is easy to get caught up in all the excitement, which can lead you to overindulge. Unfortunately, St. Patrick’s Day continues to have a strong reputation as a drinking holiday despite the risks. As a result, it is one of the most dangerous weekends to be on the roads. Even having one or two drinks could cause serious impairments that impact your driving abilities. These include:
- Lack of coordination, making it more difficult to steer, brake, or perform other driving tasks;
- Lower inhibitions partnered with poor judgment, making you more likely to engage in dangerous behavior;
- Blurred or double vision, making it nearly impossible to focus on the road;
- Longer reaction times, making you less likely to respond appropriately to sudden changes in traffic or an impending crash.
Protecting Yourself Against Drunk Driving Accidents In Harrisburg
Traffic Safety Marketing warns that close to 100 people lose their lives in car accidents over St. Patrick’s Day weekend each year, and drunk driving is the most common cause. To protect yourself, follow these tips:
- Never get behind the wheel if you have even one or two drinks in your system;
- If you go out and intend on drinking, find another way home;
- Never get in a car with someone who is under the influence;
- Be aware of signs of drunk driving on local roads, such as driving at night with the lights out or swerving in and out of lanes.
In the event a crash does happen, notify the police. If they suspect the other driver is drunk, they can conduct DUI testing on the scene. Get the name and contact information for the driver as well as for any witnesses. Seek medical care for your injuries as soon as possible and contact our Harrisburg car accident lawyer before speaking to insurers or accepting any settlements.
Contact Our Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving is a common cause of car accidents in Harrisburg, and St. Patrick’s Day weekend is one of the most likely times for them to happen. If you or someone you love is hurt, contact Ira H. Weinstock, P.C. We help you get the compensation you need to recover. Request a consultation with our Harrisburg car accident attorney today.
Sources:
harrisburgpa.gov/how-to-have-the-most-fun-in-the-downtown-harrisburg-st-patricks-day-parade/
trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/drunk-driving/buzzed-driving-drunk-driving/st-patricks-day
