Independence Day is a time to enjoy the many benefits of our country and to spend a weekend with friends and family. Unfortunately, it is also a busy holiday for police and emergency responders, because traffic accidents occur at a high rate across the country.
Many Independent Day car collisions involve alcohol. During this weekend, many families have cookouts and celebrations which can involve alcohol and this can lead to tragedy. This is a good time to make sure you’re ready to drive safely and to avoid injury in Hollywood or your community:
- Consider staying home: With concerns about COVID-19 this year and also the risk of drunk driving, staying at home is a good option. Whether you drink or not, you don’t have to worry about getting home safely or encountering drunk drivers on the road if you stay off the roads.
- Drink responsibly: Imbibing too much, even if you don’t plan on driving, can lead to bad decision-making, including making a choice to drink and drive. Excessive alcohol can also make your more vulnerable to falls and other injuries. Stay within your limits and keep in mind that hot weather can make the effects of alcohol more pronounced.
- Don’t drive buzzed: For some time now, authorities have been sending the word out: even smaller amounts of alcohol can lead to collisions. If you have had a few drinks and feel the effects just slightly, you are sleepier and your response times and judgement are not those of a sober person. Do not drive buzzed.
- Have a few safe ways to get home: Just in case one option falls through, make sure you have a few ways to get home safely. Have an app on your phone that lets you call and pay for a cab easily. Have someone who can act as a designated driver or have a plan to stay at a hotel or friend’s house rather than driving home.
- Be a responsible host: If you have friends or family over, make sure you serve drinks earlier and limit alcohol. Stop serving alcohol earlier in the night, provide safe ride options, and don’t let anyone drive home after drinking.
- Watch out for other drivers: Even if you make safe choices about driving, it doesn’t mean everyone else on the road has. Make sure you stay alert and watch for any drivers driving erratically.
Don’t forget that drunk driving is not the only danger during the Fourth of July weekend. Fireworks injuries, water injuries, and of course COVID-19 also remain a concern. Stay safe and keep aware.
The entire legal team at Flaxman Law Group would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe Fourth of July. If you do need us, our phone lines at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) will continue to be staffed so you can speak to a live person if you need to. If you are injured by a drunk driver, contact us for a free accident consultation with a Hollywood DUI attorney.