We all love a reason to gather and celebrate, and our festive holidays allow us to do so.  Holidays like July 4 or Memorial Day weekend are an excuse for us to throw parties, bbq’s and set off fireworks.  Summer allows for free time and spending it with friends and family.  Unfortunately, holidays like July 4 are a day that results in fatal car accidents due to more people on the road and an increase in drunk driving.  

Did you know July 4 is the deadliest day of the year to drive? An average of 450 people died in fatal car crashes during July 4 alone. People who opt to drive over the holiday weekends are 20% more likely to suffer a car accident or a fatal accident than on average. That’s a scary number.

Our car accident lawyers broke down a study on the dangers and fatalities of driving during the holidays over the last three years. Unfortunately, the study excluded 2020 because fewer cars were traveling due to the coronavirus pandemic; therefore, it wasn’t conclusive. But now, post quarantine and all states opening, travel and traffic have returned to normal throughout the country, especially Florida.  Although this is excellent news for the economy and physiologically, it comes with consequences, unfortunately, fatal accidents.

Top 10 most dangerous holidays due to car accidents:

• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Father’s Day
• Mother’s Day
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• Veterans Day
• Cinco de Mayo

July 4 is considered the deadliest holiday weekend.  The study shows that the percentage of deaths due to driving while intoxicated exceeds 32%. In addition, a disproportionate number of deaths due to intoxication occur on Independence Day weekends. For example, when looking at the statistics for just July 4, 2019 (not the entire weekend), there were 193 deaths from car accidents. Of those 193 deaths, 40 percent were drunk driving deaths, up from 38 percent since July 4, 2018.

People are anxious to live their life and celebrate after being in lockdown for almost a year. However, suppose we base the dangers and fatalities in car accidents from previous years. In that case, deaths in motor vehicle accidents on July 4 will account for 396 to 577 lives lost just this Independence Day, 2021.  This is a chilling number. Therefore, if you must drive during the holidays, you must be prepared for the worst and avoid putting yourself in danger. 

In the event of a crash and injury,  write down the phone numbers of our accident attorneys so that we can act quickly and help you.   In a car accident or fatalities, call the most trusted attorneys at Advocates USA in West Palm Beach for a free consultation.  We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-872-4878.  We serve the entire state of Florida.

Driving tips to avoid accidents during July 4th 

As a driver during the holidays can take steps to protect yourself.  To help avoid car accidents on July 4 and during the crazy summer months, our car accident attorneys have a few tips you should always follow:

Adhere to speed limits

Take enough time to get to your destination without rushing. You will share the road with thousands of other drivers and road construction.  Take your time and be aware of your surroundings.  Waiting a few minutes to exit or get through a construction zone can save your life.

Wear your seatbelt

When used correctly, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45 percent and reduce serious injury by 50 percent. When you start your trip, get enough rest to avoid fatigue. If you feel tired, take a break and take advantage of the rest stops.

Eliminate distractions 

Although it seems repetitive at this point, it’s vital to put all distractions aside while driving. This includes not using your phone for text messages or calls while driving. Program your GPS before leaving or while stopped, never while moving. Have a passenger handle the auxiliary cable for driving and never comb or apply makeup while driving. Eliminating distractions can save your life.

Recognizing the dangers of intoxicated drivers

Florida defines drunk driving as a crime with a blood alcohol concentration equal to or greater than 0.08 percent. According to the CDC, a 12-ounce beer has about the same amount of alcohol as a 5-ounce glass of wine or a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. As we should all be aware, drinking alcohol affects judgment and coordination, all the skills necessary to drive a vehicle safely.

Designate a buddy who isn’t drinking or wait until the effects of the alcohol wear off.  Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are also available throughout Florida State, which is an excellent option to bring you to your destination. However, alcohol isn’t the only thing that can impact your ability to drive.  Prescription opioids and other drugs pose significant danger while driving as well.  Do not mix driving with prescription opioids.

Secure Your Pets

If you are driving with your animal in the vehicle, it is just as essential to secure your pet.  Cats and dogs should also be on a pet leash or belt in the event of a sudden stop or accident. A loose pet can smash through the windshield or strike a passenger or driver, resulting in death or severe injury.

Advocates USA Can Help

July 4, summer, and holiday weekend car accidents can ruin your celebration. Practice safe driving and make a wise decision could make a difference in saving you or a loved one’s life.  However, if a tragedy occurs and you or a loved one are seriously or fatally injured in one of these car accidents during the 4th of July celebrations or summer months, contact the Advocates USA collision law firm by calling 1-800-872-4878. Our team of dedicated and experienced attorneys is ready to help you and your family.

If your accident occurred in Palm Beach County or anywhere in Florida, call us for a free consultation. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, and we can help you too. We help victims in car accidents or any other personal injury accident in West Palm Beach and all the Florida counties throughout the state.