As St. Patrick’s Day draws ever closer, we are all looking for more of that old Irish luck in our lives. For many, the holiday is a welcome break from the turmoil of the past year, but if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that safety should always be our top priority. While you may hope to enjoy a lively party and night out for St. Patrick’s Day, drinking and driving is still a major risk.
We’ve talked in the past about how to protect yourself from being hurt by a drunk driver, but this year we want to focus on how we as individuals and a community can help prevent drunk driving accidents altogether. This is why the team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., has put together five tips to keep you and your neighbors safe this St. Patrick’s Day.
1. Assign a Designated Driver – Or Two!
Picking just one person to act as a designated driver is a tried-and-tested method for preventing accidents, but one of the pitfalls is that the designated driver may feel like she’s wrangling children all night. Given that most people are social drinkers, a designated driver may be tempted to join in on the fun and games, but this can be a huge mistake. Instead, have two or more friends agree to be designated drivers. That way, they can still enjoy a good night together while making sure everyone gets home safe.
2. Use a Rideshare Service
Whether you use Lyft or Uber, these services offer 24/7 options for quickly snagging a ride home without having to get behind the wheel. Here in Phoenix, we also have traditional taxi services, limos, Super Shuttles, Blacklane rides, and other local rideshare options.
3. Book a Hotel
There is never a bad excuse for getting a hotel, especially if you want to make the most of a holiday. Booking a hotel, even if you live locally, allows you to enjoy the downtown nightlife without having to drive. You can even indulge in late-night room service, a great treat for any occasion.
4. Implement an Alcohol Limit
If you are hosting a party, one of your biggest concerns is keeping your guests safe. While you do not want to be a stick-in-the-mud, implementing an alcohol limit is a good way to keep your guests from drinking too much and making huge mistakes. You can also take away everyone’s keys and assign someone you trust to keep watch over the drinks. Your friends and family may groan about it, but you will know you’re keeping them safe.
5. Report Drunk Driving
If you do spot a drunk driver, you should not hesitate to call 911 and report them. Local authorities take drunk driving very seriously and implement DUI checkpoints during major holidays to prevent collisions. The Arizona Public Health Department and Metro Phoenix Highway Patrol have a dedicated DUI enforcement unit that works to reduce accidents throughout our neighborhoods. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office also has additional tips on how to prevent DUIs.
The Husband and Wife Law Team Is Here When You Need Us
Here at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., we understand the stress everyone has been under the last year and the need to let loose. But we have also learned the importance of strengthening our community and working together to protect each other when the world gets tough. That is why we believe in taking a proactive approach to safety and want to help Phoenix prevent accidents altogether.
If you do have the misfortune of being injured by a drunk driver, reach out to The Husband and Wife Law Team as soon as possible. We can go to work immediately, investigating your case and filing a claim for full compensation. To sit down with us in a free consultation, call our office.
Have a happy and safe Saint Paddy’s Day!