Are you and your friends planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Chicago at any of the planned community celebrations, parties at a local park, booze cruises, bar crawls, festive restaurants, or the Latino Art Fair found in and around the windy city? Then, you need to keep in mind how too much of a good thing can wreck your plans, and potentially your life.
That’s why we’ve put together these three key reminders to help you prepare for the upcoming eight days of planned activities for this year’s Cinco De Mayo celebrations in Chicago.
Steer Clear of Drunk Driving in Chicago
Driving under the influence sharply increases personal injury risks for you and your passengers, as well as other drivers and pedestrians. Use these four tips to stay safe on the roads in and around Chicago.
- Alcohol metabolizes much more quickly on an empty stomach. That is why it is good to enjoy some Mexican appetizers, small plates, or more filling entrees before, during, and after consuming your favorite cerveza or margarita. Chicago has a number of popular eateries and bars that are perfect for a Cinco de Mayo outing.
- Don’t rely on the “talk test” to determine levels of intoxication. Alcohol affects mental skills and coordination well before any visible signs show. You can be seriously impaired without slurring your words.
- Coffee is not a miraculous cure-all for intoxication. The caffeine will help you stay awake, but it does nothing to counteract the other mental and physical effects of alcohol. Instead, make sure that you hydrate with non-alcoholic beverages low in sugar in between consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Planning your transportation ahead is one of the best solutions to avoid a drunk driving incident in Chicago. Assign a designated driver, schedule a rideshare service, or opt for public transportation.
Key takeaways: Avoid drunk driving in Chicago by planning transportation in advance and monitor your alcohol intake. This blog doesn’t advocate drinking and driving. If you do drink, call a ride-sharing service or a friend.
Watch Out for Potential Dangers
Do you remember when you were young and your parents told you to be aware of stranger danger? The same rules apply even as an adult. If someone or something has your gut feeling off, listen to your instincts and remove yourself from that situation. Along those same lines, it’s best not to wander off alone and be extra careful after dark.
Additionally, if you end up in a more confined space, make sure that you are aware of all possible exits just in case you need to promptly leave.
Key takeaways: Be alert to your surroundings, do not leave your drinks or friends unattended, and make sure you have an exit plan in place.
Make Plans for Your Little Ones
Do you plan to stay home and host your own Cinco de Mayo party? If so, make sure that there is sober supervision on-hand to prevent potential burn injuries from a grill or fire pit, a possible pool drowning, or an animal attack if an anxious pet feels threatened or annoyed.
And if you have plans to partake in any of the family-fun Cinco de Mayo celebrations or fairs in Chicago, Joliet, or surrounding cities, make sure that you are extra vigilant so that you don’t get separated. Curious kiddos and distracted adults can increase the chances of your child being hit by a vehicle in a parking lot, tripping and falling, or even suffering a cut or burn by getting too close to a sharp or hot object.
Key takeaways: At home or out with friends, please make sure that you take extra measures to prevent any children in your care from suffering a preventable accident.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Chicago
No one plans for accidents to happen. If you are involved in an accident on Cinco de Mayo or any day of the year, our personal injury attorneys are ready to assist you with experienced representation. Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.
Our office hours range from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and we also answer our phones at 708-222-2222 24/7. You can reach us through our online form or our LiveChat service. So don’t wait! We look forward to hearing from you.