St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most enjoyable holidays here in Chicago. As an unofficial end to winter, it is a time for folks of all ages to put on the green, head downtown, and join in the festivities. From the annual parade to all of the pubs with the fine Irish food, there is so much to do and see on this day. But, if you aren’t careful, your day of enjoyment can lead to tragedy. This is why it is so important to follow some common sense safety precautions so that you can enjoy the holiday spirit in style without a trip to the emergency room or worse.
Limit Your Consumption of Alcohol
Ireland is known for making some of the finest whiskey in the world, as well as such enjoyable beers as Guinness Stout and Harp Lager. The temptation to partake can be quite strong on St. Patrick’s Day, which is why it is crucial to maintain some self control. Overindulging can lead to drunkenness that is not only a potential medical condition, but can involve disorderly conduct or ending up in a compromising situation. One rule to consider is to limit the number of drinks and also enjoy a meal beforehand.
Do Not Drink and Drive
Chicago has some of the best public transportation in America. If you do plan to drink, do not drive. Instead, take public transportation or arrange with a rideshare service to take you to and from the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Driving under the influence is a crime in Illinois, and an afternoon of fun can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, as well as other legal consequences. Also, drunk driving impairs your reflexes and reaction time, which can increase the chances of getting into a car accident.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings at All Time
Unfortunately, large crowds sometimes attract the wrong people. This is certainly true of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. If you decide to watch the parade, make sure you are always in control of your personal belongings, especially your wallet or purse. Pickpockets are known to work the crowds and are adept at taking advantage of diversions to steal from people.
If you decide to hit the pubs, plan to have a good time but also be careful. Do not leave your drink unattended at any time. Sadly, each year, men and women get sexually abused by people who slip things into their drinks when they leave them unattended. If you need to walk away from your drink, buy another one. It’s worth the cost. Also, if you are getting unwanted attention from a stranger, ask the bartender or wait staff for an “angel shot.” This is a signal that you are in trouble and they will work with you to get out of a potentially dangerous situation.
Be Careful Walking Around
With the large crowds who enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, it is common for there to be accidents. If you need to cross the street, only do so at a controlled crossing. This will reduce the chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident. If there is someone in your party who is inebriated, make sure to hold onto this person so they don’t cross into traffic. If you are hit by a vehicle, get immediate medical attention and try to find out the name and license plate number of the driver.
There is also an increase of slip and fall accidents on this day. This could happen in a restaurant, with a patron slipping on a spilled drink, or a pedestrian tripping over a crack in the sidewalk. If you fall down, wait to get medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you may have an internal injury. Also, alcohol is a sedative, so you may not feel pain at the time. You are going to want to get your injuries treated, and also find out any information to make a claim later on.
If you are driving and hit another vehicle or a pedestrian, do not leave the scene of the accident. Call for the police so you can get immediate medical attention. You are also going to need an accident report from the police, so try to get all of the information you can about the other driver or pedestrian.
Call Our Firm If You Have Been Injured in a St. Patrick’s Day Accident
St. Patrick’s Day is a fun day to celebrate, but it is also one where accidents happen. If you have been the victim of an accident or been involved in any situation requiring the assistance of an attorney, call us today for a free consultation. The experienced attorneys of Hale & Monico can assist you with all of your legal needs.