Every March 17, St. Patrick’s Day lights up the United States with festivities that have become a true part of everyday culture. What once started as a day to honor Ireland’s patron saint has grown into a fun-filled event with parades, green clothing, and casual get-togethers. In 2024, people spent a record $7.2 billion on celebrations, a spending increase of 4.3% year-over-year.
Although Saint Patrick was born in Britain, his mission in Ireland made him a beloved figure. He’s best known for bringing Christianity to Ireland, which eventually led to him being recognized as the country’s patron saint. Over time, tales of him—like using a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity—have woven him deeply into Irish culture and folklore.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in the U.S.
According to recent data, here’s a breakdown of the percentage of U.S. adults celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by year:
- 2019: 55%
- 2020: 56%
- 2021: 49%
- 2022: 54%
- 2023: 61%
- 2024: 62%
Spending on the holiday has also been on the rise. Average per-person spending increased from $43.84 in 2023 to $44.40 in 2024, marking a 1.3% growth. Most of that money went towards food and beverages, showing that people really enjoy celebrating with good eats and drinks. Americans have embraced a variety of fun and festive traditions on St. Patrick’s Day. Beyond the obvious choice of wearing green, they find creative and engaging ways to mark the day, making it a lively community celebration.
The data reveals that in 2024, the top five ways Americans celebrated St. Patrick’s Day were:
- Wearing green: 82% of participants showed their festive spirit with green attire.
- Cooking a special dinner: 29% prepared a unique meal for the occasion.
- Attending a bar or restaurant party: 27% joined public celebrations at local venues.
- Decorating homes or offices: 26% adorned their spaces with festive decor.
- Attending private parties: 16% opted for more intimate gatherings.
Risks on the Road
St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated with festive parades and social gatherings, yet it also brings a serious surge in alcohol-related driving incidents. Recent data shows that during the extended holiday weekend, there’s a noticeable increase in impaired driving fatalities and risky crash types. The following statistics shed light on the dangers associated with drunk driving during this period:
Fatalities: Between 2018 and 2022, 290 people lost their lives in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period (from 6 p.m. on March 16 to 5:59 a.m. on March 18). In 2022 alone, there were 74 such fatalities.
Young Drivers: In 2022, drivers aged 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage—34%—of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Nighttime Hazards: Driving at night proved particularly dangerous during the 2022 celebrations. Of the drivers involved in fatal crashes between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., 38% were intoxicated. This figure rises to nearly 47% for crashes that occurred between midnight and 2:59 a.m.
Comparative Increase: Alcohol-related fatal crashes were 16.1% more common during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday than during the rest of March.
Crash Types: The holiday also saw a 12.5% increase in fatal hit-and-run crashes. Additionally, crashes involving motorcycles and large trucks rose by 14.1% and 9.9%, respectively, while incidents involving rollovers and roadway departures increased by 7.6% and 5.9%.
Celebrations and Crash Frequency: According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 54% of American consumers planned on joining in the holiday celebrations, and 80% intended to show off their green attire. However, these festivities often involve heavy drinking at bars, pubs, and private parties, which can sometimes lead to tragic, life-threatening outcomes. According to the NHTSA, in 2020, an average of one person was killed in an alcohol-related crash every 45 minutes.
Concerning Rise in Washington State Fatalities
Data from Washington’s WSDOT dashboard paints a concerning picture. Since the pandemic, fatal accidents during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday have been on the rise in Washington. Here’s how the numbers have shifted over the past few years:
- 2020: 7 fatal crashes, 7 fatalities
- 2021: 8 fatal crashes, 11 fatalities
- 2022: 11 fatal crashes, 10 fatalities
- 2023: 15 fatal crashes, 19 fatalities
Common St. Patrick’s Day Injuries and Accidents
St. Patrick’s Day festivities often lead to increased alcohol consumption, resulting in a higher incidence of various accidents and injuries. Common incidents during this holiday include:
- Car Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers: Alcohol-impaired driving remains a significant concern. In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths, accounting for 32% of all traffic fatalities in the United States.
- Pedestrian Fatalities Involving Drunk Drivers: Impaired driving not only endangers drivers but also pedestrians. During the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day period, over 30% of pedestrians killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher.
- Over-Consumption Accidents and Injuries: Excessive drinking can lead to accidents such as falls, alcohol poisoning, and injuries resulting from impaired judgment.
- Physical Altercations: Alcohol consumption can escalate tensions, leading to fights and related injuries.
- Domestic Violence: Increased alcohol intake during celebrations can contribute to a rise in domestic violence incidents.
Injuries commonly resulting from St. Patrick’s Day-related accidents include:
- Broken Bones: Often resulting from vehicular accidents or physical confrontations.
- Lacerations, Bruises, Cuts: Common in physical altercations or accidents involving glass and sharp objects.
- Whiplash: Typically associated with rear-end car collisions.
- Chest or Torso Injuries: Can occur during car accidents due to seatbelt impact or steering wheel collisions.
- Loss of Limb: Severe accidents can lead to traumatic amputations.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Resulting from blows to the head during accidents or fights.
Look Out For Drunk Drivers
Ensuring the safety of your guests during a party where alcohol is served is paramount. Here are some guidelines to help create a secure environment:
- Designate Sober Drivers: Encourage guests to plan their transportation in advance by selecting sober drivers or utilizing ride-sharing services.
- Offer Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Providing substantial food and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks can help moderate alcohol consumption.
- Limit Alcohol Service: Consider stopping the service of alcohol a few hours before the party concludes, continuing to offer food and non-alcoholic beverages during this time.
- Monitor Guests’ Alcohol Intake: Be attentive to guests’ alcohol consumption, and if someone appears intoxicated, ensure they do not drive.
It’s important to be aware of social host liability laws, which vary by state. In many jurisdictions, hosts can be held legally responsible if they serve alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated individuals who subsequently cause harm or damage. This liability can extend to both criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
To mitigate potential liabilities, familiarize yourself with your state’s specific laws and consider reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand your coverage.