Law Office of Lowell Steiger

St. Patrick’s Day 2008: Keeping You Happy, Smiling and Safe!


Author: Lowell Steiger

Published On: March 13, 2008

St. Patrick’s Day falls on Saturday, March 15, 2008. What a great party holiday but, with such great fun, comes great risk to life and limb and since my law practice revolves around injury to life and limb, I feel it is my duty to beseech you to be careful this St. Patty’s Day. We’ve got a double whammy here because the risks are intensified by the fact that this holiday, which oftentimes revolves around drinking to excess, also falls on a Saturday — and we all know what happens on Saturday nights! Not only are drunk drivers causing great injury, driving while under the influence could land some drivers in jail.

I’ve located some interesting information and tips and want to share them with you in this posting. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has a fantastic web page which lays out some great tips:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 32 percent of all traffic fatalities on the nation’s highways around St. Patrick’s Day in 2003 were the result of impaired drivers with blood alcohol content levels of 0.08 percent and above.

* But much of this tragedy can be prevented by reminding all drivers of a few simple precautions.

* Whether you are just meeting a few friends at the corner pub or attending the big local parade or party, if you plan on using alcohol to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day:

o Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys;

o Don’t starve yourself before or during the party. Enjoy the food as well as the drink;

o Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself – eat, take breaks, alternate with non-alcoholic drinks;

o If impaired, don’t even think about getting behind the wheel. Ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come and get you, call your local sober rides program, use mass transit, or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober;

o And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety has graciously published a guide whether you’re attending, or giving, a St. Patrick’s Day Party:

If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day celebration and plan on using alcohol:

  • Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys;
  • Don’t starve yourself before or during the party. Enjoy the food as well as the drink;
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself – eat, take breaks, alternate with non-alcoholic drinks;
  • If impaired, don’t even think about getting behind the wheel. Ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come and get you, call your local sober rides program, use mass transit, or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober;
  • And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:

  • Serve lots of food – particularly high-protein dishes – and be sure to include lots of non-alcoholic beverages, desserts, and coffee;
  • Be sure all of your guests designate their drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-saring with sober drivers; and
  • Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

If you’re planning to drink on this holiday of holidays, please hire a taxi cab to take you home or call one of the designated driver services. I found 2 of them on line (please note that I have no affiliation with these companies and basically know nothing about them beyond what they say in their websites):

Designated Driver Services – “We are Designated Drivers for hire. We provide a valuable and enriching service to the residents of Los Angeles County. ” 1-800-670-0969

DDI – This site provides designated drivers to many parts of the country including Los Angeles, Ca.

Keeping all of the above in mind, here is a great video on the St. Patrick’s Day Irish Coffee, The Art of the Drink

The Art of the Drink: St. Patrick’s Day Coffee – Anthony Caparelli delves into the art and science of making the perfect Irish Coffee!

New Orleans Irish Coffee

– Mixologist Chris McMillian walks us through the history and preparation of classic cocktails.

Ideas For Making St. Patrick’s Day Gifts

St. Patrick’s Day Fun With The Little Kids – This will put a smile on your face!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Everyone!

Share this Article

About the Author

I’m passionate about representing my injured clients. I'm a Personal injury lawyer who treats you with the respect that you deserve.

Follow Us