Celebrate Safely this Fourth of July
The July 4th holiday celebrates the birth of our nation’s independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. This year, the Fourth of July falls on a Tuesday- July 4, 2023. Whether you plan on taking a road trip, driving just a few blocks to visit friends or family, or spending a day on the water- the safest choice is to not drink and drive.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 201 people died in alcohol-related crashes from 6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 a.m. July 6, 2020. Drunk driving was blamed for 41% of all traffic deaths during the long weekend, and 85% of the fatal crashes occurred at night, between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. From 2017 to 2021, there were 1,460 drivers killed in car crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period- 38% of the drivers killed were intoxicated.
On the water, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in recreational boating deaths and incidents in the United States. Alcohol was listed as the leading contributing factor in 16% of boating deaths in 2021.
At Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, we urge everyone to celebrate safely by planning ahead and designating a sober, non-drinking driver during the July 4th holiday. Here are some tips to celebrate safely.
- If you plan to drink, plan ahead, and secure a sober ride home.
- Even if you have consumed only one drink, let someone who hasn’t been drinking drive you home. Buzzed driving is drunk driving.
- If hosting a 4th of July celebration, ensure your guests have a safe and sober ride home. Make sure to offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over and call 911.
- Always wear your seatbelt. We all know that seat belts save lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about 50%.
Drinking alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment and coordination, all skills needed to drive a car safely. But drunk driving isn’t the only risky behavior causing crashes on the road; drug-impaired driving is a danger, as well. Whether the drug is obtained legally or illegally, drug impaired driving is dangerous and illegal in all states.
INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THIS 4th OF JULY? OUR FIRM IS HERE FOR YOU
Accidents often happen when you least expect it. If you are involved in any type of accident this 4th of July, whether it be a car accident, pedestrian accident or slip and fall, our firm is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Spencer Aronfeld is a Board-Certified Trial Lawyer, and he and the lawyers at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws. Since 1991 we have fought hard to protect the legal rights of those injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Contact us today and speak with an experienced attorney toll free +1-866-597-4529, local +1-305-441-0440, or by email. We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel, or hospital. Virtual sign-ups available.
SOURCES:
Mothers Against Drunk Driving- madd.org
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration- nhtsa.gov
