Tips for Staying Safe During Mardi Gras 2025

Mardi Gras is a multi-day party, and safety too often falls by the wayside when Louisianans are concerned with having fun. Yet, widespread intoxication, general chaos, and the potentially lethal threat of drunk drivers demand that you make your safety a priority.

Everyone should follow the essential tip of being as aware and alert as possible. If you have to drive near parade routes, do so defensively, assuming drunk drivers will be sharing the road with you, and look for signs of erratic behavior. If you are going to drink, do so as responsibly as possible. Mardi Gras is always a time for memories, and we want you to make good ones.

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Understanding the Dangers of Mardi Gras Is the First Step Towards Protecting Yourself

The City of New Orleans and other areas of Louisiana adopt a carnival-like atmosphere during Mardi Gras. From Lundi Gras (or even days before) through the end of the parades, you must be aware of threats that include:

Drunk drivers
Impaired pedestrians (whose careless actions can lead to traffic collisions)
An unusually great number of pedestrians on and near roadways
Unusually dense traffic
Redirected traffic that causes drivers to be confused
Confusing and chaotic intersections
Poorly-lit roadways
Law enforcement officials being spread thin (which may contribute to higher instances of drunk driving and more chances for emboldened drivers to make risky decisions)

Mardi Gras attracts participants of all ages, and some groups may be at a heightened risk of injury during Mardi Gras season. Identify those who are most vulnerable—including the young, elderly, and disabled—and do what you can to protect them from harm.

General Tips for Protecting Yourself During Mardi Gras

The City of New Orleans is well aware of the heightened danger that follows Mardi Gras season. Whether you’re enjoying Endymion, Bacchus, another parade, exploring the city, or simply going about your routine, it’s important that you:

Be Aware of the Heightened Danger

Do not be naive about the risks associated with Mardi Gras. During a time of year when many forget their care for a few days, you cannot afford to do so. You will reduce the risk of being in a traffic accident if you:

Accept that your protective actions may significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident
Come to peace with others who might call you “uptight” or use other demeaning terms—protecting yourself and others is worth any mockery you might receive
Are aware of the various hazards around you, including drunk drivers, impaired pedestrians, unsafe roadways, and general confusion and chaos

Awareness is the first step in avoiding harmful accidents.

Take Steps to Avoid High-Risk Situations

Dense traffic can make it difficult for law enforcement officials and emergency responders to get to accident scenes. If it’s possible to avoid dangerous situations, you should do so. You might:

Avoid driving or walking close to parade routes
Travel on back roads that may have less traffic and even a lesser number of impaired drivers
Avoid areas of the city with a high concentration of bars (as these areas may have a higher proportion of drunk drivers)
Remain in well-lit areas (a common tip during Mardi Gras season)
Avoid unnecessary travel

Nobody will advise you to put your life on hold because it’s Mardi Gras, whether or not you plan to participate. That being said, relatively slight adjustments to how you move can spare you from an accident.

Assume Everyone Is (at Least a Little) Impaired

Let’s face it: Mardi Gras and intoxication go hand in hand. To protect yourself and others, it’s fair to assume that anyone you encounter in public can be impaired. Those who adopt this mentality will:

Not be surprised if a pedestrian darts into traffic
Be ready for motorists to make dangerous movements, such as entering traffic without adequate clearance to do so
Be alert, scanning their surroundings, and ready to make any necessary evasive maneuvers

It would be best if everyone who participated in Mardi Gras did so responsibly, but that’s not the reality. Control what you can control by being prepared for others to act like they’re impaired.

Not Doing Anything to Contribute to an Accident

Mardi Gras brings many variables that are outside your control. Yet, there are many steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of being in a Mardi Gras accident, which includes:

Not texting while driving
Not driving after drinking
Looking both ways and checking blindspots when necessary
Not speeding
Following traffic signals and instructions from law enforcement officers who are directing the traffic flow

If you act safely, reasonably, and cautiously, you should steer clear of an accident. At the very least, you can assure that any accident you’re involved in is someone else’s fault.

Looking Out for Impaired Drivers Is a Key Safety Tip for Mardi Gras 2025

Drunk drivers are a year-round hazard, but they tend to appear in droves when Mardi Gras begins. To protect yourself from these reckless operators, you may:

Know what a drunk driver looks like: The spread of distracted driving has made it more difficult to know if a driver is drunk, as each hazard has similar signs. If a motorist is failing to maintain their line, swerving, braking, or accelerating erratically, driving dangerously close to pedestrians, or appearing visibly tired or incoherent, they may be impaired.

Avoid coming into close contact with a potentially impaired driver: If you suspect that a motorist may be impaired, try to maintain a safe distance from their vehicle.

Alert authorities immediately if you suspect a motorist is impaired: As you keep a safe distance from any motorist you suspect is impaired, you may call authorities about your suspicion. A drunk driver is an imminent threat that law enforcement must be aware of.

Nobody begrudges those who have a good time during Mardi Gras. Those who put others at risk by driving drunk, though, must not be tolerated. Protect yourself and do what you can to protect others from impaired motorists.

You May Not Be Able to Avoid an Accident (Despite Your Best Efforts) During Mardi Gras This Year

Unfortunately, those who are most cautious can still become victims of auto accidents during Mardi Gras. Motorists who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs may:

Strike other motor vehicles
Strike pedestrians, bike riders, motorcycle riders, scooter riders, and others who are not protected by motor vehicles
Run other motorists or pedestrians off the roadway
Engage in actions that cause other motor vehicles to collide

If you or a loved one were in a collision during Mardi Gras, do not wait to speak with an attorney. Your New Orleans personal injury lawyer will need to secure evidence of the at-fault driver’s negligence as soon as possible, and there may also be one or more deadlines related to your case.

If You’re in an Accident During Mardi Gras, Find a Lawyer as Soon as Possible

Mardi Gras is a hectic time in Louisiana. An accident can make an already hectic time significantly more challenging. Some of the most important steps you can take after a Mardi Gras accident are:

Seeing a doctor: Even low-speed accidents can cause severe injuries. See a doctor as soon as possible after your collision. Not only do you need medical attention for your own health, but your case will also call for documentation of your injuries.

Hiring a lawyer: There are important responsibilities in life that the average person would rather not deal with. Accident-related insurance claims and lawsuits qualify. Allow an experienced Louisiana auto accident lawyer to lead your fight for compensation.

Healing as you follow your attorney’s guidance: If you choose to hire an attorney wisely, you won’t have to lose sleep over your case. That means that your primary concern can be your recovery. Get the rest and treatment you need, continue to live your life, and listen to your personal injury lawyer about case-related matters.

You may even bump “finding a lawyer” to the top position on this priority list. An attorney will know local medical providers and mental health professionals who can evaluate and treat you. You cannot have a lawyer’s guidance and protection soon enough.

Your Attorney Will Immediately Protect You from Threats to Your Case

Accident victims are not always aware of the threats and forces working against their case, which can include:

The at-fault party: Those who cause accidents, especially when drunk, generally know they’ve done wrong. These parties may try various methods to avoid liability for an accident. Those methods may include lying about how the accident happened, misrepresenting any statements you make after the collision, and hiring a personal injury attorney to fight your case for compensation.

Insurance companies: Insurance companies don’t always treat claimants as they should. Because these companies are motivated by profit, they might even engage in unethical behavior if it saves them a buck. Your attorney will ensure no bad-faith tactics can negatively affect your accident claim.

Themselves: Yes, you may be your worst enemy when it comes to securing fair compensation for an accident during Mardi Gras. You undoubtedly want your case to succeed, but even a seemingly minor mistake, missed deadline, or other misstep can prevent you from doing so.

Because of the 360-degree protection they offer, a lawyer’s services should give you the peace of mind you don’t currently have. Your case will be your lawyer’s responsibility, while your recovery will be yours.

Related article: Mardi Gras Drunk Driving Crash Accidents

How an Attorney Will Seek Compensation for Damages You Suffer During Mardi Gras

A personal injury lawyer never uses the same exact case strategy twice. Your attorney will get to know you and learn about your accident before they create their strategy. A case becomes stronger when it is personalized to the client’s needs and specifications.

All that being said, most lawyers who lead car accident cases complete several essential steps, which typically include:

Proving Who Caused the Collision

Even if your accident happened among the chaos of parade floats and large crowds, there should be plenty of evidence proving who caused the collision. In fact, there may be many eyewitnesses for your attorney to interview.

Determining Who Is Liable

“Fault” explains who caused the accident. “Liability” refers to who has a duty to pay the accident victim. Those who can be liable for a Mardi Gras accident include:

Any motorist who causes an accident (whether or not they are drunk at the time of the collision)
An insurance company representing the at-fault motorist
Your insurance company
Any municipality, alcohol-serving establishment, or other party that contributes to an accident

There are countless scenarios in which an accident can happen during Mardi Gras. Your lawyer will investigate your accident and determine who is responsible for your damages.

Presenting Evidence of Fault and Documentation of Damages

Liable parties often fight claims and lawsuits. To convince liable parties to offer you fair compensation, personal injury attorneys present their evidence of fault and documentation of the client’s damages in a logical way.

If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will present this evidence and documentation to the jury.

Negotiating a Financial Settlement

Expect your lawyer to present detailed, urgent settlement demands to those who owe you money. They will be ready for multiple rounds of negotiations if necessary.

Filing lawsuits and completing trials are steps attorneys sometimes take for auto accident victims. If the circumstances of your case lead your attorney to consider suing, your lawyer will have the lawsuit discussion with you.

The Lofty Cost of Accidents During Mardi Gras Season

An auto or pedestrian accident during Mardi Gras can cause the victim:

Physical pain
Emotional anguish
Psychological distress
Medical costs
Lost income
Diminished earning capacity
Permanent disability

Accidents during Mardi Gras can, extremely sadly, cause victims to lose their lives. Personal injury attorneys serve both clients who suffer non-fatal injuries and those who lose loved ones during this chaotic time in Louisiana.

Don’t Even Wait for the Parade to End—Hire Your Mardi Gras Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible

A lawyer can be the calm you need after a Mardi Gras accident. An experienced firm won’t ask you for any out-of-pocket payment, and they will immediately start fighting for the compensation you deserve. Take full advantage of free consultations, which most law firms offer their prospective clients.

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