Mardi Gras Road Safety Tips
It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of raucous celebration associated with Mardi Gras, aka “Fat Tuesday” (per its French translation), and all that the pre-Lent, festive, carnival-like feast entails—cheerful apparel, parades, parties, beads distinctively colored purple, green, and gold, and lots and lots of alcohol.
But at the end of the revelry, you likely want to get home safely where you can sleep off the celebratory high and get back into the swing of things that is your normal life—spouse, kids, job, school. Whatever it is, it’s not worth giving up for one night—or even five whole days—of fun.
Following, is a mental checklist of Mardi Gras Road Safety Tips, if you will, to enjoy the holiday to its fullest and get home safe-and-sound to get on with the life you’ve worked so hard for.
Designate a Sober Driver or Hitch a Ride (call an Uber!).
There’s never an “okay” time to drink and drive. Just one drink can impair your ability to drive safely. It’s never worth it to risk an accident at Mardi Gras.
Defense is Just as Important as Offense.
If you get behind the wheel as a sober driver, know that not everyone is playing by the same rules. Expect delays, watch for pedestrians and avoid drivers who appear to be “under the influence.” Be patient, alert and ready to react.
Look Both Ways When Walking.
If you opt to walk, know that you are not immune from an accident at Mardi Gras. Drunk and/or distracted drivers can collide with pedestrians as well as other vehicles. If you go by foot, be aware of those at the wheel, because they might not be aware of you.
Know the Parade Routes.
If you plan to skip the festivities, spare yourself the headache and learn the parade routes ahead of time. This will help you better plan how to get from point A to point B without encountering the crowds.
Knowing all the twists and turns of terrain the floats and bead-throwers intend to cover is a good rule-of-thumb for those attending the parade, as well. Preparation is key to avoid getting bogged down with last-minute surprises and best enjoy the party.
“Most Mardi Gras-related road mishaps are easily preventable when everyone comes ready-and-willing to restrain their foolhardy alter egos with some simple, necessary and completely reasonable boundaries.”
Be a Responsible (and Caring!), Driver.
Wear a seatbelt, don’t speed to make up for parade route delays, slow down and stop when necessary, remain hands-free (put the phone down!), be courteous to others on the road, and always follow traffic laws even when fellow drivers and pedestrians fail to do the same.
Most Mardi Gras-related road mishaps are easily preventable when everyone comes ready-and-willing to restrain their foolhardy alter egos with some simple, necessary and completely reasonable boundaries.
Have a plan in place well before the merrymaking begins, starting with appropriate transportation to and from the event. And be prepared to follow rules that are in place to keep you safe, and not to squelch your fun.
Remember, you cannot control anything or anyone but yourself. Therefore, maneuver your way sensibly with these Mardi Gras road safety tips to ensure you (and hopefully those around you!) make it home unharmed and ready to “Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler” another day!
Were you in an Accident During Mardi Gras? Need a Car Wreck Attorney?
Car accidents are routinely an unfortunate byproduct of Mardi Gras celebrations. And every year, the roads occupied by parade participants become more and more dangerous.
If you or a loved one were harmed due to an accident at Mardi Gras, we offer a free consultation where victims can meet with an experienced Car Wreck Attorney in Mobile, AL to evaluate your options. Contact us today at 1-800-256-7728 or here on our website.
We wish you a safe and joy-filled Mardi Gras!
