For the Saint Patrick's day holiday on March 17, many people in the Jeffersonville area, particularly those who claim Irish heritage, will take some time to celebrate with family and friends. Oftentimes, this involves drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages, sometimes heavily. In fact, St. Patrick's day is one of the days of the year in which people drink most often.
Not surprisingly, this can lead to a spike in the number of drunk driving accidents. According to statistics, over the St. Patrick's holidays from 2012 through 2016, almost 270 people died due to car accidents related to drunk driving.
What is perhaps even more disturbing is that of those motorists involved in St. Patrick's Day accidents that ended with a fatality, 3 out of 4 measured a blood alcohol content of at least two times over the legal limit. In other words, most drunk drivers who wound up killing someone on St. Patrick's Day were not just people who may been tipsy or who had just one too many.
All drivers in Southern Indiana who choose to travel on St. Patrick's Day need to remember to drive carefully and defensively. Those who do choose to drink also need to remember that they must follow the law, designate a driver or get a ride after their night of partying. If they do not, they could wind up in serious legal trouble should they cause an accident because of intoxication.
In addition to criminal penalties, the driver could also face a civil lawsuit at the hands of the victim or the victim's family. Through such lawsuits, victims can get compensation for items like medical expenses and lost income. Other damages, including punitive damages, may also be available.