Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Almost everyone is also taking risks on this national day of partying that they would not normally take. Even if you are not one of them, their unreasonable behavior can lead to you getting hurt if you are not careful and taking extra precautions.
So, whether you are going to the 23rd Manchester Saint Patrick’s Parade or to any of the other events going on throughout New Hampshire, take these 5 safety tips into consideration as you go out and have fun.
1. HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT
Figure out how you and your friends are going to get home, even before you leave it. This often involves setting a plan for your party, including an itinerary and an end time, and designating a driver if you plan on driving home.
2. HAVE A BACKUP ESCAPE PLAN BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT
St. Patrick’s Day is notorious for scattering plans to the wind. Have a backup plan to ensure you stay safe. Put business cards of local taxi companies in your wallet or program them into your phone, set up an Uber or Lyft account, or put a bus schedule in your pocket.
If you are really worried that things will get out of hand, book a hotel room near where you expect your party to end so you have a safe and warm place to go, if all else fails.
3. EAT BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Step one for any party is a good meal beforehand. Having food in your stomach reduces the initial impact of any alcohol that you drink, letting you make good decisions later into the night. Additionally, party-goers on a budget know that getting in that big meal at home saves money by not forcing them to eat out.
4. STAY HYDRATED
Drinking lots of water – a glass for every couple of beers you drink – can keep you more alert than if you only drink alcohol. It also reduces the headache and hangover the next morning by keeping you hydrated all night.
5. IF YOU ARE THE DESIGNATED DRIVER…
There are several things that designated drivers can do to make everyone’s St. Patrick’s Day a safe and fun one.
- Take your role seriously. Your friends are all counting on you to get them home safe. Remind them that, as the sober one, you should be the one in charge, and do what you can to make sure everyone stays on plan.
- Drive extra carefully. Just because you have not been drinking does not mean everyone else on the road is sober, too. Increase your following distance, reduce your speed, and keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians who might dart into the road without looking.
- Fix your vehicle beforehand. Police will be out on the roads in full force looking for drunk drivers and will use any reason they can to pull you over. Avoid the pretextual traffic stop by fixing that broken taillight you have been meaning to fix.
LEGAL HELP AT TENN AND TENN, PA
If you get into an accident and suffer a personal injury or if you get arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), call the Manchester law office of Tenn And Tenn, PA at (603) 614-5055 or contact us online.