Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s one of Chicago’s most famously celebrated days of the year. From dying the river green to the parade and the parties, it’s a day that brings families and friends together. But sometimes when we have one too many drinks, we make questionable choices. At Illinois Hammer we are continuously committed to practicing safe habits and ensuring that everyone can celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day responsibly.
Drunk driving is unfortunately quite common, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 37 people die every day in the U.S due to drunk driving accidents (that’s one person every 39 minutes.) With a holiday like Saint Patrick’s Day the risks are even greater. “During the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day holiday, 74 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.” (NHTSA) Even if you had just a few drinks, drinking and driving is never the solution. Unfortunately, one night of recklessness can lead to life long consequences, but there are a number of ways to prevent this.
Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to get around safely this Saint Patrick’s Day.
Ridesharing: When in doubt order an Uber or Lyft
Most people are familiar with the apps Uber & Lyft, these are very popular options in terms of transportation, and especially for a holiday like Saint Patrick’s Day. Not only are these services affordable and convenient, but they’re safe!
No need to drive: With a ridesharing service, you completely avoid any and all temptation to drive after drinking. Most importantly, you can relax and enjoy a long day of celebrating without worrying about how you’ll be getting home.
Convenient: Download apps like Uber or Lyft and now you can order a ride within minutes at anytime and anywhere. No need to wait for a taxi or find local parking.
Affordable: If you’re out with friends, most ridesharing apps give you the option to split the fare. That way if you’re headed to or leaving a busy area it’s still an affordable option.
In fact, according to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, cities with ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have resulted in a reduction in alcohol-related traffic fatalities by as much as 6%. This shows how often other people are also using ridesharing services and how much of an impact it already has.
Public Transit: A Budget Friendly Option
If you need a budget-friendly option, you can always rely on public transportation. Public transit is not only cost effective, but it is a great option to reduce the risk of accidents.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation is 10 times safer per mile than driving.
Can I use electric Bikes or Scooters While Under the Influence?
It’s very common to use electric bikes or scooters, but is that really the safest option when drinking? No, it’s not a good idea!
While it may seem like a harmless option, if you are intoxicated, it’s very possible to get into an accident or face legal consequences. To avoid unnecessary risks or injuries, it’s highly recommended to opt for the safer options, aka ridesharing or public transit.
Celebrate Safe and Smart
By planning ahead, you can choose safer transportation options and successfully enjoy the festivities without putting yourself or anyone else in danger.
However, we understand you can’t control the actions of others. Therefore, if you get injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Illinois Hammer Injury Law firm. Our team understands what you are going through and has over 30 years of expertise in handling situations like yours. Call us at 888-742-6637 for professional legal guidance and support. We are here to support you through the process of your case and get you the compensation you deserve.
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