Bill OBoyle: Celebrate the Irish; but be safe
It's truly a weekend of celebration. Let's hope everyone behaves and make it back to work Monday morning.
After all of the wearin' o' the green and everything else Irish for two days, we still have a week before we celebrate the actual St. Patrick's Day on March 17.
That's when ham or corned beef and cabbage will be sellin' like hotcakes, and green beer will be flowing everywhere.
Back in the day, the Irish holiday was celebrated in our house in a traditional, low-key manner. Dad was of Irish/Welsh heritage, and Mom was Polish. But back then, like today, March 17 was a day when everybody was Irish, so to speak.
The old saying in Irish households that I recall was that there are two kinds of people — the Irish and those who wish they were Irish. Let me just say, that's all a bunch of blarney.
A couple of years ago, there was a survey that claimed that Pennsylvania finished No. 1 as the state that drinks the most on St. Patrick's Day. (hic!)
Well, that's not quite the sort of thing we should use to market ourselves when seeking to attract large employers to the Keystone State.
And I'm really not sure we really deserved that ranking. Yes, there are times when it seems it is a deserving title — March 17 sure is one of those days.
So let's hop in the Way Back Machine and head to St. Patrick's Day 1963, when dinner is being served — ham and cabbage with carrots and potatoes.
My dad never wore his Irish heritage on his sleeve. Oh, he celebrated, but he did not make a big deal out of it. Nor did my mom two days later, on March 19, St. Joseph's Day, commemorating the patron saint of Poland. Yes, I try to wear green on March 17 and red on March 19.
So, as you head out for your St. Patrick's celebration, a few more libations may be consumed. But always make moderation your mission. That will assure your safety and the safety of those around you — especially on the highways. And you will return next year for yet another celebration.
Whether it be wearing a shamrock, or a claddagh ring, a Celtic cross, or carrying a shillelagh, enjoy this time and be sensible in your celebration.
To me, being Irish is much more than socially challenging practices.
My favorite Irish quote: "It's my rule never to lose me temper till it would be detrimental to keep it."
But the main thing is we must all find a way to celebrate and remain safe — which also applies to today's time change.
Jana Tidwell, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic, reminded drivers this week to stay focused behind the wheel. She said that with the time change impacting sleep patterns and daylight hours, drivers and pedestrians may be at a greater risk of the dangers associated with drowsy driving.
To protect yourself and others, AAA recommends drivers commit to these safe driving practices:
Avoid Distractions: Drivers should not use a cell phone while behind the wheel. 93% of drivers recognize the dangers of texting, emailing, and reading while driving, but 37% reported reading a text/email while driving in the past 30 days.
"The text isn't worth putting yourself and everyone in and around that road at risk," says Tidwell.
Obey Speed Limits: Speeding significantly increases the severity of a crash.
Drive Sober: 95% of drivers overwhelmingly perceive drunk driving as dangerous and socially unacceptable.
Buckle Up for Every Ride: It does not matter where in the vehicle you are seated. A properly worn seatbelt is the most effective way to survive a traffic crash.
So go out and celebrate. Have fun. Enjoy.
Be Irish for a day or two, but always be responsible and be safe!
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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