4th of July Driving Safety Tips
When you think of the Fourth of July, fireworks and backyard barbecues probably pop into your mind, not car accidents. While the focus of the holiday may be on freedom, the fourth of July is one of the worst times to be on the road for motorists. With most Americans out celebrating Independence Day, drivers may feel more reckless, be under the influence or be unable to avoid getting in a serious accident as a result of more drivers on the road. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says the Fourth of July is the deadliest day of the year when it comes to vehicle crashes. Almost 50% of the accidents that occur on the fourth of July involve alcohol consumption and more than 20% involve motorcycles. Don’t let a car accident put a damper on your holiday. Here are some tips for staying safe on the roadways this Fourth of July.
Buckle up: In most car accidents, seat belts save lives. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about 50%. It is also important to make sure you secure your infants and children in properly fitted car seats and booster seats.
Don’t Drink and Drive: If you must drive, do NOT drink. Beer and alcohol are frequently consumed at most Fourth of July celebrations. Before reaching for a cold one, make sure you have a plan for how you’re going to get back home. Make sure you have a designated driver or download the Uber App on your phone.
Stay Alert and Focus on Driving: Don’t talk or text on your cell phone while driving. Both require focus. You can only do one well. Program your GPS prior to leaving or while stopped, never while driving. Ask your passenger to change the CDs. Comb your hair and apply makeup upon arrival at your destination never while driving. Don’t eat or open or close food packaging while driving. One or two seconds of distractions can negatively impact your life and the lives of others.
Be Extra Careful When Approaching Intersections: Impaired drivers are not known for obeying traffic signals and signs. Be particularly vigilant when coming to an intersection. Be aware of vehicles coming from cross streets or roads. Don’t assume they’re going to stop, even if they appear to be slowing down.
Drive Defensively: Even if you avoid driving under the influence, you need to be cautious that other drivers may not have done the same. If you’re driving to or from Fourth of July festivities, practice defensive driving techniques to give yourself ample time to react to hazardous drivers.
Report Drunk Drivers: If you spot a drunk driver on the road, you should not approach them. Keep a safe distance or pull over if need be. If you have a passenger in your vehicle, ask them to obtain the following information:
• The license plate number of the car
• The make and model of the car
• The name of the road you are on
• The direction the car is headed
You can then call 911 and report this information and provide a description of the erratic behavior you noted. If you are alone in your vehicle and able to safely secure that information yourself, pull over and call the authorities. Remember, your safety is important. Don’t honk at a suspected drunk driver or attempt to signal them in any way. Consider taking an alternate route if one is available or pulling over for a brief moment. As you’re paying attention and doing your best to be a responsive driver, you may notice another driver acting erratically. Perhaps they’re traveling well below the speed limit, failing to signal, driving in two lanes at once, or swerving in their lane. These are some of the clear signs of an impaired driver. If you spot one, consider reporting them to the authorities.
As the Fourth of July is one of the most widely celebrated national holidays, millions of families and friends decide to spend their weekend visiting friends and family members. This means there will likely be more traffic on the roads than usual, which can lead to traffic accidents. If you’re planning on getting out of town for the weekend, you should account for the extra time it may take you to get somewhere. From everyone at the Law Offices of Suarez & Montero, have a fun and safe Fourth of July!
How an Attorney Can Help with Personal Injury Claim
After a car accident, it is incredibly important for you to contact a Florida car accident attorney. The Law Offices of Suarez & Montero represents accident victims injured in various types of accidents. Our skillful attorneys are genuinely committed to our clients. We will fight to make sure that you get the maximum amount of compensation owed to you. Let us help you get the medical care you need and fight to make sure you are compensated for your injuries! Our attorneys are ready to provide proven legal representation in pursuing your claim and stand ready to protect your rights. We are available 24/7 to give you a free, no risk case consultation.
We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following areas:
Miami-Dade: Aventura, Coral Gables, Doral, Fontainebleau, Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Tamiami, and Westchester.
Broward: Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Weston; and Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach.
The Law Offices of Suarez & Montero Car Accident Attorneys represents accident victims injured in various types of accidents including:
• Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
• T-Bone Car Accidents
• Road Rage Car Accidents
• Head-on Collisions
• Rollover Accidents
• Rear-end Car Accidents
• Left Turn Accidents
• Failure to Yield Car Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Merging Accidents
• Lane Change Accidents
• Construction Zone Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Semi-Truck Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Train Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Boating Accidents
