Your Guide to St. Patrick's Day Safety: How to Celebrate Responsibly

Responsible Drinking Tips for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick's Day is all about good times, cold drinks, and celebrating with friends. St. Patrick's Day is also one of the most popular drinking holidays in the United States. Unfortunately, increased alcohol consumption often leads to a rise in alcohol-related driving incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the 2020 St. Patrick's Day period, 36% of traffic deaths involved a drunk driver. From 2016 to 2020, 287 people died in drunk-driving crashes during this holiday period.

Enjoying an alcoholic drink can be part of the holiday fun, but moderation is key to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day responsibly, avoiding drunk driving, and making safe choices to prevent accidents and legal trouble.

St. Patrick’s Day Safety Tips While Drinking

It’s important to prioritize St. Patrick's Day safety by drinking responsibly during celebrations. Here are some St. Patrick’s Day safety precautions you and your loved ones can take to stay safe and not indulge in risky behavior.

Know Your Limits

Understand how much alcohol your body can handle and avoid exceeding that amount. Overindulgence can lead to impaired judgment and increased risk of accidents.

Eat and Stay Hydrated

Consuming food, especially those rich in protein and fat, before and during drinking can slow alcohol absorption. Alternating alcoholic beverages with water helps maintain hydration and reduces the likelihood of a hangover.

Avoid Binge Drinking

Binge drinking, consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in about two hours, significantly increases the risk of alcohol poisoning and accidents. Pace yourself and be mindful of your alcohol intake.

If you are not a regular drinker, or you’re not familiar with the alcohol content of certain alcoholic beverages, you may drink more alcohol than usual during a holiday celebration like St. Patrick’s Day. It’s important to have a safe drinking plan before heading out to celebrate the occasion.

How to Avoid a DUI on St. Patrick’s Day

Law enforcement agencies increase their efforts during the holidays to combat impaired driving. Police officers frequently set up DUI checkpoints, also known as sobriety checkpoints, on St. Patrick’s Day to deter and catch impaired drivers.

Officers set up checkpoints on public roads and select drivers randomly or in a predetermined pattern. They will ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance while also looking for signs of alcohol or drug use, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol.

If an officer suspects you’re impaired, they will conduct a field sobriety test, which may include a breathalyzer test to determine your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC). If your BrAC is above the legal limit of 0.08%, you may face arrest and DUI charges.

Intoxalock provides general information related to the DUI experience, not legal advice. For specific guidance about laws and regulations that may affect you, consult a qualified attorney.

If you approach a DUI checkpoint, try to remain calm and prepare to show your driver’s license and registration. Getting caught driving under the influence carries severe penalties, including fines ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars, license suspension for months or even years, and possible jail time, especially for repeat offenders. Many states require DUI offenders to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) to prevent repeat offenses. Additionally, a DUI conviction significantly increases auto insurance costs.

If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, keep a safe distance from the vehicle. Note the car’s make, model, color, and license plate number if possible. Call 911 to report the driver to law enforcement, providing the location and direction they are traveling.

St. Patrick’s Day Safe Transportation Options

Planning your transportation in advance is a critical piece of St. Patrick’s Day safety advice to make sure you get home without any issues. Here are some simple St. Patrick’s Day safety tips to think about before celebrating the holiday:

Designate a Sober Driver

If you're going out with a group, choose someone who will abstain from drinking and be responsible for driving everyone home safely.

Utilize Ride-Sharing Services

These are excellent alternatives to driving. Make sure to install an app and update payment information ahead of time.

Public Transportation

Check local schedules for buses or trains that can get you to and from your destination safely. Some cities may adjust their regular schedules to account for the busier St. Patrick’s Day holiday event.

Stay Overnight

If you're attending a party far from home, consider staying overnight at a friend’s place or booking a nearby hotel.

Remember, even small amounts of alcohol can impair your ability to drive. The legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit in most U.S. states is 0.08%, but impairment can begin at much lower levels. Driving under the influence not only endangers your life but also the lives of others on the road.

Pedestrian Safety on St. Patrick’s Day

Even if you’re not planning on getting behind the wheel, pedestrians can take some St. Patrick’s Day safety precautions, too. Walking during celebrations requires extra caution, especially if you’re consuming alcohol. Stay alert, pay attention when crossing streets, and use designated crosswalks help reduce risks. If possible, avoid looking at your phone and instead pay attention to your surroundings and those around you. Wearing reflective clothing at night improves visibility for drivers. Walking in groups enhances safety, as friends can assist one another if needed.

St. Patrick’s Day Tips to Keep Party Guests Safe

Hosting a St. Patrick's Day party comes with responsibilities to help your guests have a fun and safe experience.

• Offer Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Provide a variety of non-alcoholic drinks for guests who are driving or prefer not to drink.
• Serve Food: Supplying plenty of food can help mitigate the effects of alcohol. Consider serving hearty dishes that can slow alcohol absorption.
• Call a Car Service: If someone appears overly intoxicated, arrange alternative transportation. Call a taxi or order a ride-share service.
• Provide Sleeping Arrangements: If possible, offer guests a place to stay overnight if they are unable to get home safely.
• Collect Car Keys: Upon arrival, consider collecting car keys from guests who plan to drink and return them only when you're sure they are sober or have safe transportation arranged.

By following these St. Patrick's Day safety advice tips, you and your loved ones can enjoy the festivities while minimizing risks.

Final Tips for a Safe and Fun St. Patty’s Celebration

St. Patrick's Day is a time for celebration, but safety always come first. Responsible drinking, planning safe transportation, and being mindful of both your safety and that of others can make the difference between a memorable celebration and a tragic incident.

If you have a history of self-control struggles regarding drinking, especially during a holiday, tools like an interlock device can provide added safety, accountability, and peace of mind. Voluntarily installing an IID from Intoxalock will prevent your car from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath. Reach out to schedule your installation today so you’re prepared to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day safely.