Stay Safe This Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is one of the highlights of summer for many individuals. It is a time to get together with friends and family and celebrate our great nation’s independence. The summer festivities usually include fireworks, food, and for many gatherings, alcohol. Unfortunately, the combination of drinking and travel leads to thousands of tragedies every year.
Sobering Statistics
The Fourth of July is the second deadliest day of the entire year as a result of alcohol-related car accidents—trailing only New Years Eve. Roughly 40 percent of all traffic fatalities on Independence Day involve at least one driver with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. That percentage is even higher among younger drivers.
The dangers extend beyond the holidays, however. Traffic fatalities increased by 6% from 2015 to 2016, making 2016 the deadliest year for drivers in almost a decade. Additionally, an estimated 4.6 million people were seriously injured because of traffic accidents last year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has some advice to keep yourself and others safe this Fourth of July:
- Never get behind the wheel of a car if you have been drinking. It is often difficult to know your exact level of impairment. Although you may only feel “buzzed,” one of the effects of alcohol is an exaggerated level of confidence. You may think you are perfectly fine to drive while, in reality, your blood alcohol content is over the legal limit;
- Be a defensive driver. Keep your eyes on the road and watch out for other drivers who are making risky or illegal maneuvers. Stay alert and resist the temptation to read or send text messages;
- Use a ride sharing app. Uber, Lyft, or taxi cabs are much less expensive than a DUI or an accident. If you plan to drink, consider using one of these ways to get a ride home. The NHTSA also offers a free app called SaferRide that allows users to call a taxi or a friend by pinpointing their location so they can be picked up;
- Do not hesitate to call the police if you see dangerous driving. You could be saving lives by reporting drunk drivers to the authorities; and
- Wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts are one of the most effective ways of preventing serious injury or death during a vehicular accident.
Helping Accident Victims in Kane County
Sadly, you could do everything exactly right this Fourth of July holiday and still find yourself involved in an accident due to another person’s actions or negligence. If you are injured in any type of car crash—including one involving alcohol—contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Aurora, Illinois. Call 630-907-0909 for a free consultation at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur, P.C. today.
Sources:
http://fortune.com/2017/02/15/traffic-deadliest-year/
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
