St. Patrick’s Day is on a Saturday this year, which means partygoers decked in green do not have to wait until work ends before they head out in droves. According to the National Retail Federation, this holiday is most popular among people between the ages of 18 and 24.
Since many individuals in this age bracket work Monday to Friday, it is reasonable to assume that the parties are going to be bigger—and start earlier—than usual. Although everyone older than 21 has the right to celebrate with a few pints of Guinness, no one should be driving after finishing their beer.
Unfortunately, the simple fact that more people will be celebrating this year also means there will be more impaired motorists on the roads after last call. If you were hurt in a drunk driving collision and want to hold the liable party financially accountable for the damages, turn to the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr.
George R. Fusner Jr. has been a practicing attorney since 1977 and received his law degree from the prestigious Vanderbilt University School of Law. Call 615-251-0005 or 800-427-8960 to schedule a free case evaluation with an car wreck attorney in Nashville.
How Can You Stay Safe When Driving Home on St. Patrick’s Day?
Although many drunk driving collisions seemingly come out of nowhere, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of getting into a wreck with an impaired motorist. If you have to hit the roads for any reason on St. Patrick’s Day, keep the following safe driving tips in mind:
- Slow Down
Reducing your speed gives you more time to respond to any hazards that arise. This includes motorists who are driving erratically and could be impaired.
- Avoid Tailgating
You should always leave plenty of stopping distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you. It is especially important to avoid tailgating when drunk drivers are likely to be on the roads.
Experts recommend leaving three to five seconds between cars in motion. This will give you enough time to make an evasive maneuver should any motorists ahead of you exhibit signs of impairment.
- Plan a Strategic Route
Last year, Nashville police conducted sobriety checkpoints on 8th Avenue just south of downtown. If you want to avoid drunk drivers when traveling downtown, follow a route that passes near or through these checkpoints. The increased police presence means authorities are more likely to identify impaired motorists in the area before they can cause a catastrophic collision.
Although these tips can help you stay safe on St. Patrick’s Day, the only foolproof way to avoid a drunk driving accident is to stay off the roads entirely. Unfortunately, doing so might not be feasible.
If you were hurt in a wreck with an impaired motorist, contact the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. today. Call 615-251-0005 or 800-427-8960 to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Nashville. You can learn more about drunk driving crashes in Tennessee by visiting the USAttorneys website.
