10 Tips to Staying Safe This St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a time of celebration, and in Atlantic Canada, festivities often involve social
gatherings and alcohol consumption. With the rise in parties and bar visits, road safety becomes a
pressing concern.
According to Statistics Canada, impaired driving remains a significant issue, with over 86,000
incidents reported across the country in 2019. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, in particular, have
consistently reported high rates of impaired driving. Here are ten essential tips to help keep
yourself and others safe on the roads this St. Patrick’s Day.
Plan Ahead for Transportation
Before heading out to celebrate, it’s important to plan how you’ll get home. This can include
arranging for a designated driver, using public transportation, or booking a rideshare service. Cities
like Halifax, Moncton, and Charlottetown often increase public transit availability during holidays
to help reduce impaired driving. Planning your ride ahead of time is a simple yet crucial step in
preventing accidents.
Use Designated Driver Services
Many communities in Atlantic Canada offer designated driver services on holidays like St. Patrick’s
Day. Programs like Operation Red Nose in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick provide safe rides for
those who may have consumed alcohol. These services have been successful in reducing the
number of impaired drivers on the road. Utilizing them can greatly enhance road safety during
festivities.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. The New Brunswick Department of
Public Safety reported that 21% of fatal crashes in the province in 2022 were linked to distracted
driving. To avoid becoming part of these statistics, stay focused on the road, avoid using your
phone, and ensure your attention is solely on driving.
Drive Defensively
With an increase in road traffic and impaired drivers during holidays, defensive driving is key. This
involves maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, anticipating other drivers’ movements, and
being prepared for erratic behaviour, especially late at night. In Nova Scotia, where rural roads and
winter weather conditions add additional challenges, defensive driving is especially important.
Be Cautious at Intersections
Many impaired driving accidents occur at intersections, especially during holidays. The Traffic
Injury Research Foundation notes that intersections are common sites for collisions involving
impaired drivers. Be extra cautious when crossing intersections, making sure to check for both
pedestrians and other vehicles that may not be obeying traffic laws.
Celebrate Responsibly
If you’re planning to drink, do so responsibly. Know your limits, and if you’ve consumed alcohol,
make alternative transportation arrangements. In 2021, Halifax Regional Police arrested 24 drivers
for impaired driving on St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t risk becoming part of these statistics—make
responsible choices to protect yourself and others.
St. Patrick’s Day should be a fun and enjoyable occasion, but it’s important to take steps to ensure
the safety of everyone on the road. Whether through planning ahead, staying focused while driving,
or using designated driver services, making smart decisions can prevent accidents and save lives.
By following these tips, you can help keep Atlantic Canada’s roads safer this holiday
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