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How to Celebrate Safely This St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

By Rebecca Edwards

Mar 15, 2024

2 min read

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Participants and spectators at the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade that takes place on 5th Avenue in New York City. The parade is a celebration of Irish heritage in America and is the largest in the world.

Image: stu99, iStock

City governments and police nationwide are preparing for a safe St. Patrick's Day weekend. Amidst the sea of green, it's essential to remember the importance of safety—especially when it comes to alcohol consumption. Drunk driving poses a significant risk to drivers, passengers, and innocent bystanders.

St. Patrick's Day sees a spike in alcohol-related accidents and fatalities. Between 2016 and 2020, 287 people died in alcohol-involved crashes during the St. Patrick's Day period (from 6:00 p.m. on March 16 to 5:59 a.m. on March 18). In 2020, almost 4 in 10 crashes (36%) during the St. Patrick's Day period involved drunk driving.

To prevent tragedy, it's imperative to plan ahead. Arrange for a designated driver, utilize ride-hailing services, or opt for public transportation. Additionally, be mindful of excessive drinking and pace yourself throughout the festivities.

Beyond the dangers of drunk driving, other hazards lurk—including alcohol poisoning, slips, and falls. Stay hydrated, eat well, and look out for friends and fellow celebrants. Whether you plan to join the festivities at a parade, feast on favorites like corned beef and cabbage, or raise a mug full of green beer, follow these tips for a fun and safe celebration.

Tips to celebrate safely

Plan ahead: Arrange for a sober driver or alternative transportation before the festivities begin.
Moderate alcohol intake: Pace yourself and alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated.
Keep an eye on your drink: Watch your drink at all times and never leave it unattended—even if you have to go to the restroom. Keep your hand covering your drink when you don't have eyes on it. Don't accept a drink from a stranger, and seek help immediately if you start to feel light-headed, dizzy, or strange in any other way.
Eat well: Thankfully, this one should be easy. St. Patrick's Day is a time for hearty Irish goodies like shepherd's pie and corned beef. Enjoy a tasty meal before drinking to slow alcohol absorption.
Watch your surroundings: Be cautious of uneven terrain, crowded areas, and potential hazards while celebrating.
Look out for others: Keep an eye on friends and intervene if someone appears too intoxicated or in danger. And never leave a friend behind—sticking together is a key to avoiding all kinds of dangers, including sexual assault.

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Written by

Rebecca Edwards

Rebecca is the Managing Editor and lead safety expert at SafeWise.com, where she's been researching, testing, and writing about home and personal security for over 12 years. Her safety smarts come from both real life and professional experience—as a single parent trying out safety and security gadgets to protect her family and a former college director responsible for safety plans and strategies to keep buildings, grounds, and hundreds of students and faculty safe every day. With 30 years of experience as a journalist and blogger, she's become a go-to source for trustworthy, practical advice on everything from the best home security systems and smart gadgets to keeping kids safe online, preventing package theft, and understanding crime trends nationwide. PBS NewsHour, The Today Show, NPR, Vice, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, HGTV, Marketplace, On the House, and more have featured Rebecca's expert insights and recommendations. Whether it's protecting your home, your loved ones, or your peace of mind, Rebecca makes safety simple, doable, and real.