Whether you live in Florida City, Miami, or any community, the Fourth of July weekend is a chance to spend time relaxing with friends and family. At Flaxman Law Group, we want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend.
At the same time, since our phone lines at 866-352-9626 are staffed 24/7, including the Fourth of July, we at Flaxman Law Group also know that unfortunately many people experience serious injuries during this long weekend. To help you enjoy a safer Fourth of July, we’d like to review these tips to reduce your risk:
- Use extra caution on long drives: If you’re visiting loved ones or going on a road trip, prepare ahead. Give yourself more time than you think you need and plan out regular rest stops to drink, stretch, and relax so you can focus on driving when you get behind the wheel again. If possible, divide driving responsibilities with someone else so you’re not driving fatigued.
- Put away distractions: Distractions can be physical distractions that remove your eyes from the road or your hands from the wheel. These can include changing the radio or checking a mobile device. Distractions can also include mental lack of focus, caused by daydreaming or engaging with passengers rather than thinking about driving.
- Prepare for driving: Consider whether you are mentally prepared for driving before getting into the car and whether you’re rested and physically well. Bigger crowds during the holiday weekend require more focus. If you’re not well enough or calm enough to drive, you could be at risk of road rage, distracted driving, or mistakes. Find another way to get to your destination. If you are prepared to drive, check weather and traffic conditions before you go. During the holiday weekend, you might want to stay away from crowded areas around festivals and special events, for example, to reduce your risk of a crash.
- Drive defensively: Think a few moves ahead and be prepared for anything. Fireworks, crowds, and children running into the street are all things you may encounter during the long weekend.
- Prevent DUI accidents: Alcohol is a part of some Fourth of July events. You can choose to avoid drinking or become a designated driver or, if you’re hosting, at home, make sure any guest who also drink can stay over or have a safe way to get home. If you are going out to celebrate, have a few options for getting home safely. Bring money for a ride, have a credit card on hand to stay at a hotel, or get ready to use public transit or a designated driver.
If you do sustain an injury and would like to know whether you have a claim, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 or contact us online to schedule a free, no obligation case consultation.