As fall weekends usher in football season and community events, tailgating continues to be a beloved tradition—but it also brings a host of legal and safety concerns that are often overlooked. The lawyers and staff at Lardiere McNair and Stonebrook enjoy this time of year and hope that all of our families and friends can enjoy it safely. From alcohol liability and parking lot accidents to property damage and personal injury claims, we have a unique perspective on the risks associated with this activity.

✅ Tailgating Safety Checklist

Parking & Driving

• ☐ Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians
• ☐ Avoid distracted driving (phones, loud music)
• ☐ Never drive under the influence
• ☐ Park only in designated areas

Food Safety

• ☐ Use separate utensils for raw and cooked meats
• ☐ Keep perishable foods below 40°F
• ☐ Discard food left out for more than 2 hours
• ☐ Bring hand sanitizer or a handwashing station

 Alcohol Awareness

• ☐ Designate a sober driver
• ☐ Monitor guests for signs of intoxication
• ☐ Follow school or stadium alcohol policies
• ☐ Prevent underage drinking

Grilling & Equipment

• ☐ Keep grills away from vehicles and flammable items
• ☐ Never leave grills unattended
• ☐ Bring a fire extinguisher or water source
• ☐ Check propane tanks and connections before use

Cleanliness & Organization

• ☐ Label coolers for food, drinks, and ice
• ☐ Bring trash bags and recycling bins
• ☐ Clean up before heading into the game
• ☐ Leave no trace—respect the property

Know the Rules

• ☐ Review stadium or school tailgating policies
• ☐ Respect noise limits and quiet zones
• ☐ Avoid confrontations with rival fans
• ☐ Follow posted signage and security instructions
•  

Sources Referenced

• Nationwide: “Tailgating Safety Tips”
• Tailgater Supply: “Do’s and Don’ts of Tailgating”
• FindLaw: “Tailgating Car Accident Liability”

Our lawyers and staff encourage all of our friends to enjoy this time of year and to act responsibly.

Christopher L. Lardiere is a Founding Partner at Lardiere McNair & Stonebrook, Ltd., LPA.

Disclaimers: Artificial intelligence is used as a tool to supplement, enhance, make suggestions, and generate blog language from the thoughts, ideas, and opinions of our human lawyers. The final product is reviewed and edited by an attorney. 

The information presented here has been prepared by Lardiere McNair for promotional and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.  This information is not intended to provide, and receipt of it does not constitute legal advice.  Nor does the receipt of this material create an attorney/client relationship.  An attorney client relationship is not established until such time as Lardiere McNair enters into a written engagement agreement with a specific client for a specific legal matter.