What You Need to Know About Car Accidents on the Fourth of July
It’s not a surprise that car accidents are common on the Fourth of July. There are many parties, lots of drinking alcohol, and unfortunately, people often drive while intoxicated. Over the last 10 years, July 4th has been incredibly deadly. Each 4th of July, an average of 2,743 deaths have occurred. July 3rd brings a significant number of deadly car accidents as well.
Motor Vehicle Accidents on The 4th of July
According to the American Automobile Association, almost 40 million individuals are expected to drive at least 50 miles or more during the fourth of July holiday. With that statistic and the amount of alcohol consumed on this day, it is not surprising that there is a surge in car accident cases on Independence Day. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, July 4th is the deadliest day for automobile accidents across the United States. It has been reported that you have a 20 percent higher chance of being involved in a fatal car accident on July 4th than any other day of the year.
Factors that Cause Car Accidents on The Fourth of July
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents in general. Add in a holiday and alcohol, and it’s no surprise that speeding leads to a huge number of accidents and deaths on July 4th each year. Many people are rushing to parties, family reunions, or to enjoy the beautiful firework shows. There are typically a lot of roadside distractions that could make drivers unaware that they have broken speed limits and are going way too fast. In 2020, speeding was a factor in almost 30 percent of all traffic fatalities, causing 11,258 people, or an average of 30 people per day.
Driving Under the Influence
Celebrations often include a glass of wine here and there or a few beers. It’s typical for much more alcohol to be consumed when individuals are celebrating their country. Unfortunately, this can cause significant risk of injury and death when people aren’t safe and responsible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, driving under the influence of alcohol has caused around 113,000 deaths in the US just within the last decade.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 40 percent of motor vehicle deaths on July 4th, 2019, were alcohol related.
How To Stay Safe on July 4th
- Consider alternative means of transportation. Use public transportation, have a designated driver, or call a taxi or an uber if you’ve been drinking.
- Try not to get in a car, even if you are sober. Keep in mind that even if you haven’t been drinking, it’s still dangerous to drive on this holiday because of the other drunk drivers. Stay in one place and spend the night if possible.
- If you do have to drive, be extra careful. Take back roads where drivers aren’t likely to be driving as fast. Don’t drive anywhere right after fireworks end, as many people are likely to be driving at this exact time.
- Ensure proper maintenance of your vehicle. Have a mechanic you trust inspect your car before you embark on a long road trip.
- Avoid distractions. Don’t look at your phone, text, or make phone calls while driving.
If you were involved in a car accident on the 4th of July due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today for a free consultation.