Fourth of July is a popular holiday for backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings with family and friends. Yet, far too often, these celebrations turn tragic on our nation’s roads.
Year after year, the number of fatal drunk driving accidents spikes during this time. There were 237 Independence Day deaths in 2017, with nearly 40% being alcohol-related. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has even named the Fourth of July one of the deadliest days for nationwide traffic fatalities.
How to Avoid Drunk Driving and Stay Safe
While it is always important to use safe driving practices and proper precautions, it is even more crucial to do so during Fourth of July celebrations. Here are some tips you should heed to reduce your risk of getting into a crash:
- Do Not Drink and Drive. If you will be drinking outside of your home, never attempt to get behind the wheel for any reason. Remember, if you feel differently, you drive differently.
- Find Alternative Means of Transportation. Instead of driving yourself after drinking, designate a sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare vehicle for transportation.
- Follow the Speed Limit. Roads will be more congested than usual on this holiday, so remember to always abide by the speed limit so you have time to brake.
- Wear Your Seatbelt. Of the individuals killed in traffic crashes in 2019, nearly half were not wearing seatbelts; doing so is one of the more effective ways to save lives in car accidents.
Additionally, everyone on the road should know some of the telltale signs of drunk driving. Always keep your eyes peeled for other drivers who are doing the following:
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Swerving
- Driving slow
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Stopping without cause
- Quickly accelerating and decelerating
- Failing to abide by traffic laws
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Drifting in and out of traffic lanes
If you believe that another driver on the road is drunk or impaired, slow down to get behind the vehicle or pull off of the road completely to avoid it. Additionally, call local authorities and report what you see; include the vehicle make, vehicle model, and the license plate number.
Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident? Get Help Today
Armed with this information, all of us at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers hope that you and your family have a safe, healthy, and happy Fourth of July celebration. Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident due to a drunk driver, please know that our Shreveport car accident attorneys are here to stand in your corner and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Contact our firm at (318) 221-1508 to schedule your free consultation with our team.
