Saint Patrick’s Day is synonymous with festive green outfits, lively parades, and, of course, celebrations that often involve a drink or two (or, you know, several). While the holiday brings people together for a jolly good time, it’s not all rainbows and shamrocks when it comes to navigating the roads.

Driving on this spirited day can be more stressful than finding four-leaf clovers in a cloverless field. If you’re considering hitting the road on March 17, here’s why you might want to think twice.

Packed Streets Overflowing with Partygoers

Saint Patrick's Day magically transforms streets into crowded hubs filled with cheerful revelers. It’s a joyful sight, but it’s also a logistical nightmare if you’re behind the wheel. From parades stretching across miles to green-clad pedestrians swarming crosswalks like excited leprechauns, many areas become nearly impossible to drive through smoothly.

With foot traffic and street closures everywhere, drivers often end up frustrated, lost in endless detours, or stuck in traffic so slow that you could nearly walk faster. This congestion creates the perfect storm for bump-ups, fender benders, and general road rage. Even with GPS, navigating through parade barricades can feel like solving a maze. Sitting at endless red lights isn’t exactly the festive vibe you were hoping for, is it?

Instead, consider joining the festivities on foot or using public transportation to keep things simple. Walking not only saves you the headache but also lets you soak in the good vibes without worrying about gridlock.

The Inevitable Increase in Impaired Drivers

Saint Patrick’s Day is practically infamous for its association with drinking. While the holiday’s roots aren’t entirely beer-centric, the modern celebration has embraced it with gusto. Unfortunately, this cultural quirk comes with a concerning side effect: more impaired drivers on the road.

Driving on this day means sharing the road with individuals who may have had one green beer too many. Even if you’re completely sober and vigilant, another person’s poor judgment could put you at risk. According to data, alcohol-related crashes tend to spike during Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, putting everyone on the road in potential danger.

To avoid being caught in this mess, plan ahead by arranging alternate transportation. Ride-hailing services, carpooling with a trusted designated driver, or even good old-fashioned taxis can save you from the added risk of driving where impaired motorists might roam. As they say, better safe than sorry.

Increased Risk of Distracted Driving

Between trying to follow parade routes, keeping an eye on unpredictable pedestrians, and navigating around road closures, Saint Patrick’s Day offers plenty of distractions for drivers. Add in decorations, flashing lights, and the occasional person randomly doing a jig on the sidewalk, and suddenly staying focused becomes a challenge in itself.

Even seasoned drivers can feel overwhelmed when so many unexpected elements come into play. Distracted driving can occur in the blink of an eye, and all it takes is a quick glance at the chaos to miss something critical on the road. Drivers also face visibility issues during evening celebrations when flashing lights and dim lighting can make it harder to spot potential hazards.

Reducing your own need to drive on this hectic day lowers your chances of encountering distractions altogether. There’s no shame in admitting some days are just better suited for sitting in the passenger seat or staying put altogether.

Law Enforcement Is Out in Full Force

If there’s one group that takes Saint Patrick’s Day seriously, it’s law enforcement. Alcohol consumption inevitably leads to increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to ensure public safety. While this is a good thing overall, it creates an environment where even small mistakes can result in big headaches.

Traffic stops can happen for seemingly minor infractions on this holiday, from rolling through a stop sign to forgetting your turn signal. It’s not just people who’ve had a drink that need to watch out; even perfectly sober drivers could find themselves pulled over due to heightened scrutiny.

Rather than taking your chances driving through checkpoints or navigating strictly policed roads, why not leave the car in the driveway? Less driving means less stress about surprise flashlights shining in your eyes and fewer delays waiting for checkpoints to move along.

More Options for Fun Without Driving

Here’s a Saint Patrick’s Day twist you might not have considered: skipping the car entirely opens the door to more festive fun. Parking is often a nightmare during large celebrations, with spots as rare as gold coins at the end of a rainbow. By opting to leave the car at home, you eliminate the stress of parking, save valuable time, and enjoy the festivities fully guilt-free.

Consider how much better it feels to focus on enjoying the parade, indulging in Irish soda bread, or snapping selfies in front of decorated storefronts without worrying about what block you parked your car on. On top of that, public transportation or rideshares give you the ultimate freedom to celebrate without worrying about safely getting home.

And if you’re worried about missing the convenience of a vehicle, rest assured that sauntering through town with friends or family often enhances the holiday spirit. Whether you’re waving at bagpipers or sampling green cupcakes, avoiding driving makes for a richer experience.

Key Steps to Stay Safe

If you do find yourself needing to drive on Saint Patrick’s Day for one reason or another (hey, life happens), a few safety precautions can go a long way:

  • Stick to well-lit, low-traffic routes to minimize risks.
  • Always have a designated driver or alternative transportation lined up if you plan to drink.
  • Avoid overly crowded areas where you might encounter parades, street closures, or foot-traffic-heavy zones.
  • Take it slow and stay alert for potential hazards including pedestrians and other vehicles.
  • Check your car’s condition in advance (tires, lights, brakes) to ensure it’s ready for a busy day.

Preparation is key to navigating one of the most bustling days of the year while keeping yourself and others safe.

Celebrations Without the Wheels

Ultimately, Saint Patrick’s Day is about enjoying the company of friends, family, and vibrant Irish heritage. While driving feels like the default way to get from point A to point B, leaving the car behind might just be the safest and smartest choice on this particular holiday.

From minimized stress to increased safety, ditching your keys opens up endless opportunities for a worry-free experience. Whether you opt for car-free festivities or pair up with a designated driver, the celebration will feel all the more lucky when you know you’ve stayed out of harm’s way.