St. Patrick’s Day in Harrisburg Is Fun — But the Roads Can Be Risky
Whether you participate in this weekend’s parade in downtown Harrisburg, or head out to celebrate with friends and family, there will be green everywhere! St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most festive times of year. But it also means our streets will be busier and traffic heavier — for pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles.
These events often mean more crashes involving impaired, distracted, or fatigued drivers — or pedestrians wandering into the street without first checking for traffic. With just a little planning ahead of time, we can all help keep our community safer whether you are out walking, cycling, or being the designated driver behind the wheel.
Plan Ahead for Safety — Before You Start to Celebrate
Even a short trip home can be dangerous if you haven’t thought it through. Here’s how you can plan your ride to and from the festivities in a few short minutes, helping to prevent accidents and keep the road safer.
- Designate a sober driver: Pick someone who will remain alcohol-free and can safely get everyone home.
- Use rideshare or public transportation: Skip driving entirely if you’ll be drinking or celebrating late.
- Eat, hydrate, and rest before heading out: Being tired slows reaction time and makes it harder to handle unexpected situations on the road.
Stay Focused on the Road
Even if you’re not drinking, St. Patrick’s Day streets can be unpredictable. There are more pedestrians walking around and increased traffic due to the festivities. It’s critical for both drivers — and pedestrians to pay close attention to what’s going on around them.
Drivers:
- Be alert and keep your eyes on the road — avoid phones, navigation and other distractions — or celebrating before you get to the festivities.
- Watch carefully for people crossing streets or drivers making sudden stops.
- Drive defensively — assume others may make mistakes, and be ready to react.
Pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users:
- Take an active role in your safety — your life may depend on it.
- Depending on where you are and what you’re wearing — remember you may be hard to see.
- Before stepping or riding into traffic — even at a crosswalk — check that vehicles see you and have stopped.
- Stay off your phone while walking and be mindful of what’s happening around you.
Be Prepared and Know What to Do If Something Unexpected Happens
Accidents can happen even when you take precautions — you can only control your own behavior. You cannot be responsible for the actions of others.
If an accident does happen —despite your best efforts —it is crucial you remain calm and take immediate steps to protect your safety and the safety of others with you.
If you are involved in a car accident, these first steps are critical:
- Check yourself and others in your group or vehicle for injuries.
- Call 911 immediately and seek medical attention right away — even for minor injuries.
- Let crash scene investigators do their job — documenting the scene, taking statements, speaking to witnesses, gathering other evidence from the scene.
- Take additional photos of the scene from the safety of your vehicle — do not exit your vehicle, especially near traffic.
- Don’t admit fault to anyone except your attorney; focus on safety and let authorities do their job.
Remember to Lean on Local Support
Crashes are stressful, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A knowledgeable Harrisburg car accident attorney can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process if you’re injured. Seeking legal help right away helps preserve critical evidence and strengthens any potential claim.
Quick St. Patrick’s Day Road Safety Reminders
A few simple actions can keep you, your friends, and our community safe:
- Never drive impaired or fatigued.
- Plan your ride home in advance.
- Stay alert and drive cautiously.
- Keep emergency contacts and insurance info handy.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day should be fun. With a little planning, alert driving, and attention to safety, you can enjoy the parades, food, and community spirit — and get home safely.
Need Legal Help After a Car Crash in Harrisburg?
Call Schmidt Kramer (717) 888-8888