It's almost time to retrieve your designated green outfit from the back of your closet and celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style! There are many different ways to celebrate, from a small gathering with friends to visiting your local pub.
No matter how much fun you plan to have, it's essential to remember the importance of staying safe on St. Patrick's Day.
As an "unofficial" holiday, St. Patrick's Day tends to be celebrated with a decent amount of alcohol consumption. As such, you must remain vigilant about the people around you and your own actions.
The team at Bart Durham Injury Law wants to ensure your time is worry-free and enjoyable. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of St. Patrick's Day safety tips.
Before you do anything else, it's best to outline a plan for what you'd like to do on St. Patrick's Day. Planning ahead will help you make better decisions on the day and can also serve as a reminder of your safety limits. For instance, you can plan how much time you'll spend at each location and how many drinks you will have.
You should also account for transportation. If you plan on consuming alcohol, it's best to arrange for a designated driver or call a taxi or rideshare. Lastly, don't forget to tell a trusted friend or family member where you'll be and when they can expect you to be back home.
The vast majority of people in bars are there for the same reasons you are - to celebrate, enjoy a few drinks, and have a good time. Yet, it's crucial to be aware of those who may not have the same intentions. Bad apples come in all shapes and sizes, so trust your gut instinct around a stranger.
If someone or something seems suspicious, it's best to remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible. Keep an eye on the drinks. Don't accept any beverages that have been left unattended, and use caution when ordering drinks served in a punch bowl or from a pitcher.
You should also mind your possessions, such as wallets and phones, as pickpockets often target busy areas like bars.
On your way to the bars or after you leave, you may encounter someone driving under the influence. It's essential to recognize that impaired driving can cause serious harm to both yourself and innocent bystanders. Both pedestrians and other drivers should be aware of the signs of an impaired driver.
Look out for reckless driving, such as swerving in and out of lanes or failing to obey stop lights. Speeding, weaving, and sudden braking are also indicative of an impaired driver.
If you encounter someone who fits the description, call the police and stay at a distance until help arrives.
There is strength in numbers, and staying with a group of friends is always the safest option. The buddy system simply means that you and a trusted friend(s) look out for each other. This approach is especially useful at bars and other crowded venues, as it helps to ensure everyone in the group is safe.
For example, go to the bathroom in pairs or groups. Walking home late at night will also be much safer in a group. When partying, you can use the buddy system as a way to keep track of your drinks and monitor each person's alcohol consumption.
Lastly, celebrating at home can drastically reduce your chances of becoming injured or involved in an accident. Limiting your exposure to dangerous situations is the only surefire way to stay safe.
Of course, you'll still need to mind your alcohol intake, but you can do so in the comfort and safety of your home.
The unfortunate reality is that accidents can still occur, even when you've done your best to be safe. If anything bad does happen, the team at Bart Durham Injury Law is here to help.
Our experienced attorneys have been helping victims in Tennessee since 1975, and we specialize in automobile accidents and personal injury cases.
We know that life can be unpredictable, so don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 if you or a loved one has been injured due to another party's negligence.