St. Patrick’s Day is annually celebrated on March 17th, the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death. While it is a day for celebrating Irish heritage and culture, it can also be a day of increased danger. St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that demands people to pay extra attention to safety, as there are risks that can arise while celebrating. 

This St. Patrick’s Day, make your own luck by prioritizing safety first. By following these lucky safety tips, you can promote safety for everyone, no matter how you choose to celebrate.

Don’t Drive Drunk

Like many holidays, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations often include the consumption of alcohol. Before you or your friends decide to drink, decide if you will utilize a ridesharing service or if someone will be the designated sober driver. 

If you or a friend has been drinking and is unsure if he or she is able to drive: don’t. For example, a driver cannot have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher in the state of Washington. Also, a Washington resident who has not been convicted of a DUI within the past seven years will either serve one to 364 days in jail, 15 days on house arrest, or 90 days in a 24/7 sobriety program. 

To avoid a DUI, your best decision to refrain from getting behind the wheel. 

Watch Your Drink

Whether you are at a party or a bar, it is possible someone you know or don’t know may slipped something into your drink. Always watch your drink and never leave it unattended. If you have been offered a drink that has been poured or opened for you, do not accept. 

Avoid drinking from a punch bowl or from a container that’s being passed around. Watch out for your friends and make a plan to periodically check in on one another. 

Be a Vigilant Pedestrian

Pedestrians have a duty to pay attention to their surroundings. As a pedestrian, it is vital to ensure all senses are available to help promote safety. Anything that distracts from your senses, such as listening to music or looking at your phone, can take away from your ability to react quickly.

Always use a crosswalk and avoid jaywalking, even if no cars appear to be around. If walking at night, consider wearing reflective materials or bright colors and carrying a flashlight to help improve visibility. 

Watch Your Pets

While festive, shamrocks are dangerous to furry friends! The shamrock plant, also called the Oxalis species, can be toxic when ingested by a cat or a dog. Symptoms of Oxalis poisoning can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or a decreased appetite.

Avoid the risk to your pets altogether and opt for paper or plastic shamrock details; your guests may not even notice the difference! 

Time to Celebrate

By avoiding drunk driving, watching your drink, being a vigilant pedestrian, and watching your pets, you can help make your St. Patrick’s Day festivities as luck-filled as possible. Whether you opt for celebrating in your home or out on the town this year, these four safety tips can help promote the well-being of everyone on St. Patrick’s Day.