Avoid a Motor Vehicle Accident this Fourth of July

Everyone loves celebrating the Fourth of July as this is a great holiday to spend time with friends and family. Whether you plan to travel, attend a cookout, watch fireworks, or relax at home with loved ones, make the most of this enjoyable time of year. While the Fourth of July is certainly a fun-filled holiday, there is one thing that is not so wonderful about this day – drinking and driving.

During this time of year, alcohol-related collisions claim the lives of many Americans, while thousands more suffer injuries in auto accidents because drivers choose to get behind the wheel after drinking too much. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has ranked the Fourth of July as the deadliest holiday of the year, even beating out New Years.

As Pasco County Auto Accident Lawyers, we know just how dangerous DUI-related crashes can be, and we want to urge all Florida residents to be safe this holiday. Whatever plans you may have for the Fourth, if they involve alcohol, please keep the following tips in mind:

Before anyone starts drinking, select a designated driver. Ensure that all group members are on the same page, so everyone can have a fun night without worrying about transportation. Select a safe method home, and if you have a designated driver, make sure they understand their responsibilities. The designated driver should steer clear of alcohol for the entire evening, not just drink less than everyone else.

Give your car keys to a sober person or party host. Many people think that they are fine to drive when they are actually not. If you are at a neighbor’s house or out with friends, give your keys to someone who you can trust. They can return your keys to you when they believe you are safe to drive.

Stay with your group and watch out for everyone. As the saying goes, there is strength in numbers. Keep an eye on your friends and make sure that no one drives home after having any alcohol. When your friend is clearly intoxicated and attempts to drive, speak up and confront them directly. They may be angry for the night, but they will thank you the next day.

Drunk driving crashes can be quite tragic. Don’t risk your safety, or anyone else’s for that matter this Independence Day weekend. Should you or someone you love become injured in a car accident, please call us as soon as possible at 727-847-2299 or contact us online.