Greenville Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer

4 Safety Tips When Driving on St. Patrick’s Day – Advice from a Greenville Injury Attorney

Driving on St. Patrick’s Day can be particularly dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk drivers were responsible for 34 percent of road fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day in 2011. The national average for that year was only 31 percent, which indicates an increase in driving under the influence.

If you plan to drink during the St. Paddy’s Day Bash & Dash in Greenville, keep in mind that law enforcement will be out in full force. Even if you remain sober, be sure to drive defensively and keep a lookout for drunk motorists.

If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver in South Carolina, contact the Churdar Law Firm. As a Greenville car accident lawyer, Doug Churdar can assess your case to determine if you may be entitled to compensation for health-care bills, lost income and other damages.

Schedule a consultation today by calling 864-233-0203. You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about drunk driving laws in South Carolina.

Here are four safety tips to keep in mind when you hit the road on St. Patrick’s Day:

1. Wear Your Seatbelt

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, every driver and passenger must wear a seatbelt. Also, children must use appropriate car seats. Even the safest drivers cannot control the actions of others, so wearing a seatbelt could save your life.

2. Do Not Drink and Drive

The road is dangerous enough for sober drivers, but driving under the influence will significantly increase your risk of crashing. Furthermore, you may face a lawsuit if you injure another person – not to mention the fines, jail time and other consequences of a DUI.

If drinking is on your agenda, then your plans should not involve driving. Consider staying overnight at a friend’s house or hotel. You could also host your own party rather than going out, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare company such as Uber, or contact one of these taxi services:

·       Yellow Cab of Greenville: 864-233-6666

·       Budget Cab Company: 864-233-4200

·       Asheville Premier Transportation: 828-407-0221

3. Avoid Peak Traffic Hours

Traffic is especially busy on St. Patrick’s Day, and you can reduce your risk of an accident by staying off the roads during the busiest times. If you attend an event, arrive early and leave late.

4. Drive Defensively

Defensive driving remains the most effective way to avoid an accident. Keep an eye out for drunk drivers. Look for swerving, abnormal braking and accelerating patterns, and indecisiveness. Anticipate the actions of other motorists, and keep your distance from drivers who appear to be under the influence.

If the worst happens and a drunk driver injures you on St. Patrick’s Day, contact the Churdar Law Firm. Doug Churdar is a Greenville injury attorney who can gather evidence, structure your claim and fight aggressively for the highest possible settlement. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages. Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation.