It’s Carnival season! This year, Mardi Gras falls on February 13.
Mardi Gras is a glorious time for New Orleans, Mobile, and everywhere that celebrates. But don’t let the good times get ruined by not staying safe while partying.
The most common sources of Mardi Gras injuries are alcohol, floats, and the fight for beads and trinkets. In 2020, Nola.com reported that both Jefferson and Orleans parishes saw a dramatic up-tick in drunk driving cases during the 11 days between the start of major Carnival parades and Ash Wednesday. While injuries and deaths involving floats are uncommon, they can still be devastating. It is best to stand back with the crowd to enjoy. And watch out for objects thrown from floats as they can cause injuries when they strike faces or eyes.
Make sure to follow the state or city laws involving vehicles wherever you are celebrating. In Mobile, only state-registered low-speed vehicles with current tag registration and insurance are allowed on city streets during Mardi Gras. All unregistered golf carts, ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, and other vehicles are prohibited from city streets.
Nola.com recommends these tips to avoid injuries during Mardi Gras parades:
Arrive early and with a group – Arriving early means that you’ll have a higher chance of getting a good parking spot. Additionally, there is safety and fun in numbers, especially during Mardi Gras.
Give people their space – If you see some empty chairs or a ladder with no one on it, don’t treat it as free for the taking. Once the parade starts, there’s room for everyone. If you set up chairs or a ladder, make sure to keep them behind police barricades and leave room for others.
Respect the police – Officers are working to keep everyone safe during the parades. If you’re told to do something, follow the officer’s orders.
Obey the drinking laws – While it is legal in New Orleans to consume alcoholic beverages on the streets, it must be in a can or a cup, not a glass or a bottle. Additionally, those that are consuming alcohol must be 21 or older. If you are celebrating outside of New Orleans, you should follow the drinking laws for your area.
Stay out of the street – Never cross the street between floats and don’t run up to them from the front. Floats are pulled by tractors and drivers can’t tell if a pedestrian is standing too close or is in a dangerous spot. Most reported float injuries and deaths have come from pedestrians trying to cross between floats. Never try to scoop up beads from the path of oncoming floats.
If you are involved in an accident at a parade during Mardi Gras or any holiday, don’t hesitate to reach out to our firm. We are here to help.