How to Stay Safe on the Roads this Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is supposed to be a fun day filled with fireworks and great food. But, like any other holiday, it can quickly turn tragic. Independence Day is actually the deadliest holiday, with hundreds of people dying in car accidents across the U.S. each year. But if you keep the following safety tips in mind, you can avoid becoming a statistic.

The Jones Law Group will be here if you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence. Please get in touch with us as soon as you can for a free review of your case. You can use our online form or call (727) 571-1333.

If You’re Drinking, Have a Plan

If you plan to consume alcohol on the Fourth of July, it’s essential to have a plan in place to ensure you can get home safely. One of the best options is to designate a sober driver among your group. Choose someone who will abstain from consuming alcohol and will be responsible for driving everyone home. Make this arrangement before the festivities begin, ensuring everyone knows who the designated driver is.

If a designated driver isn’t available, consider using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. These convenient services allow you to request a sober driver to pick you up and take you home. Plan by downloading the app and familiarizing yourself with how to use it. Remember that during busy holidays, ride wait times may be longer, so be patient and allow extra time for your journey.

Don’t Speed on the Fourth of July

More than 30 people across the country died every day in 2021 in car accidents blamed on speeding. That’s more than 12.000 victims. 

Speeding reduces the time you have to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of collisions. Therefore, observing and obeying speed limits is crucial. This is especially true in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic or residential neighborhoods where children may be playing.

Pay close attention to speed limit signs and adjust your driving accordingly. Speed limits are set based on road conditions and other factors to promote safe driving. By adhering to these limits, you’re protecting yourself and others sharing the road with you.

In addition to following posted speed limits, adjusting your speed based on the current conditions is essential. If the weather is poor, such as during heavy rain, reduce your speed to maintain better vehicle control. Be aware of any road construction or hazards and slow down accordingly.

Be On Extra Alert

During holidays like the Fourth of July, roads tend to be busier than usual, increasing the chances of encountering distracted, drunk, or inexperienced drivers. 

Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Look for any signs of erratic or aggressive driving behaviors, such as sudden lane changes, excessive speeding, or tailgating. These actions may indicate a potentially dangerous situation, and it’s essential to give these drivers extra space and be prepared to react defensively if necessary.

Pedestrians and cyclists are also more likely to be on the roads during holidays, so be vigilant when approaching crosswalks and intersections. Always yield the right of way to pedestrians and allow them ample time to cross the road safely.

Drive Defensively

Defensive driving is a proactive approach to road safety that involves anticipating and responding to potential hazards before they occur. By practicing defensive driving techniques, you can minimize the likelihood of accidents and protect yourself and others on the road.

• Maintain a safe following distance: Always leave a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This distance, known as the “two-second rule,” allows you enough time to react and brake if the vehicle in front suddenly stops or encounters a hazard. Increase the distance in adverse weather conditions or when driving at high speeds.

• Use your mirrors and check blind spots: Monitor your mirrors to be aware of vehicles approaching from behind or on the sides. Check your blind spots by briefly turning your head to ensure there are no vehicles before changing lanes or making turns.

• Signal your intentions early: Use your turn signals in advance to communicate your intentions to other drivers. Signaling early gives them enough time to react and adjust their driving accordingly.

Buckle Your Seatbelts

Wearing seatbelts is a fundamental safety measure you should never neglect. Please ensure all occupants in your vehicle wear their seatbelts properly, regardless of the distance you’re traveling. Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a collision.

Ensure that each person has their seatbelt securely fastened before starting your journey. Use appropriate child safety seats or booster seats according to their age, weight, and height. 

Don’t Look at Your Phone

Distracted driving, mainly due to phone use, is a leading cause of accidents. Avoid using your phone while driving, including texting, browsing the internet, or using social media. Even a momentary glance at your phone can take your attention away from the road and result in a severe wreck.

If you need to use your phone for any reason, such as making a call or using GPS, pull over to a safe location first. Alternatively, consider enabling the “Do Not Disturb” mode or using hands-free devices that allow you to keep your focus on driving.

Let Someone Know Where You Are

Before embarking on your Fourth of July trip, informing a trusted friend or family member about your travel plans is good practice. Share details such as your destination, the route you’ll be taking, and the expected arrival time. This information can be crucial in an emergency or if you don’t arrive as scheduled.

By letting someone know your plans, they can be aware of your whereabouts and take appropriate action if needed. In case of any unexpected situations, such as getting lost or encountering car trouble, knowing your travel plans will help others locate and assist you.

What to Do if A Drunk Driver Hits You on the Fourth of July

If you’re involved in an accident with a suspected drunk driver, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and take the appropriate steps. Please keep the following in mind. Not only will doing so help preserve your health, but it will also preserve your chances of getting the money you deserve.

Get Medical Help

Even if you initially feel fine after an accident, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t have obvious symptoms. A medical professional can assess your condition and provide the necessary treatment.

Contact Law Enforcement

Call the police to report the accident. Inform them that you suspect the other driver may be under the influence of alcohol. Provide them with the necessary details, such as the location of the accident, the vehicles involved, and any visible signs of impairment observed from the other driver.

Speak With a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured in the accident, contact a personal injury attorney as quickly as you can. The faster you hire a lawyer, the faster they can investigate the accident. They can obtain critical evidence before it disappears.

Jones Law Group is Here to Help

Jones Law Group attorneys have a long track record of helping clients injured in car accidents by drunk drivers. We have the expertise to help you obtain maximum compensation from all the parties that played a role in causing your injury on the Fourth of July. Reach out to Jones Law Group for professional guidance and support throughout