St. Patrick’s Day celebrations lead to surge in drunk driving accidents
March 17th marks the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This holiday, rich with Irish tradition, has morphed into one of the year’s biggest days for alcohol consumption. Although many partake in their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations responsibly, there are some that choose to imbibe and drive – a potentially deadly combination.
Just how big is St. Patrick’s Day? According to a recent report, over 33 million people throughout the country get together to celebrate their Irish heritage. This translates to the fourth most popular drinking holiday in the United States. Only New Year’s Eve, Christmas and the Fourth of July rank higher.
Is drinking and driving during St. Patrick’s Day really a problem? Unfortunately, the answer to this one is yes. It is far too common for people to enjoy their Guinness and then get behind the wheel.
More specifically, WalletHub reports that there have been 266 drunk driving casualties on St. Patrick’s Day in the four years spanning from 2010 to 2014.
What options are available for victims of drunk driving accidents? Whether the accident occurs around a holiday like the upcoming Irish festivities or any other day of the year, those who are injured in these accidents have options to hold the person who caused the accident accountable for his or her actions.
If the accident resulted in injuries, a personal injury lawsuit is an option. This lawsuit allows the victim to hold the driver accountable for the monetary costs that resulted from the accident, like medical bills and lost wages.
Additional options may be available depending on the details of the accident. As a result, it is wise to contact an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your options.