4th of July Safety Tips from Aronfeld Trial Lawyers
July 4th is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year. It is also one of the deadliest. Alcohol is a contributing factor in many of these fatal car accidents and pedestrian accidents.
If you are planning a trip over the upcoming 4th of July holiday week, buckle up. It is going to be crowded on the roads. According to AAA, 70.9 million travelers will be heading 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day travel period, which covers all next week as the holiday falls on a Thursday this year.
A record-breaking 60.6 million people are expected to travel by car, 2.8 million more than last year. According to transportation data and insights, the worst times to be on the road are during peak travel times, between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. this Wednesday and Sunday.
Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3rd, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7th, as they return. Car trips can take up to 67% longer than typical times during a busy holiday weekend. Independence Day tends to be among the most dangerous holidays for driving in the U.S., followed by New Year’s Day. Increased vehicle traffic as people travel to see fireworks, visit friends and family, or go on vacation can lead to delays, congestion, and a higher likelihood of accidents on the road.
Here are some safe driving tips from the Miami personal injury attorneys at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers:
If you are planning a trip over the upcoming 4th of July holiday week, buckle up. It is going to be crowded on the roads. According to AAA, 70.9 million travelers will be heading 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day travel period, which covers all next week as the holiday falls on a Thursday this year.
A record-breaking 60.6 million people are expected to travel by car, 2.8 million more than last year. According to transportation data and insights, the worst times to be on the road are during peak travel times, between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. this Wednesday and Sunday.
Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3rd, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7th, as they return. Car trips can take up to 67% longer than typical times during a busy holiday weekend. Independence Day tends to be among the most dangerous holidays for driving in the U.S., followed by New Year’s Day. Increased vehicle traffic as people travel to see fireworks, visit friends and family, or go on vacation can lead to delays, congestion, and a higher likelihood of accidents on the road.
Here are some safe driving tips from the Miami personal injury attorneys at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers:
- Get your vehicle inspected. Make sure your vehicle is safe and in good shape if you plan on taking a road trip over the 4th of July. Have it checked by a local mechanic to ensure the fluid levels, tire pressure, lights and windshield wipers are in good working order.
- Buckle-up. We all know that seat belts save lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about 50%.
- Do not drink & drive. Drinking alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment and coordination, all skills needed to drive a car safely.
- Do not drive distracted. It is against the law to text and drive in Florida. Do not try to multi-task while driving. Program your GPS prior to leaving, never while driving and avoid eating and drinking behind the wheel.
- Maintain a safe following distance. Stay several car lengths behind the vehicles in front of you, if possible. This will give you a better chance of avoiding an accident ahead.
- Load SUVs with caution. When packing up the car, do so in a way that evenly distributes the additional weight of luggage and passengers. In comparison to other vehicles, SUV’s have a higher center of gravity and can tip over more easily.
- Stay alert and drive defensively. It is important to take frequent breaks when driving long distances and remember to drive defensively and avoid other drivers taking less caution on the road.
- Use extra caution when approaching intersections. Be aware of vehicles coming from crossroads and be particularly vigilant when approaching intersections. Impaired drivers oftentimes blow through stop signs and miss traffic signals.
- Drive home early. The later you leave on the 4th of July, the more likely you are to encounter impaired drivers.
- Children and fireworks DO NOT mix. Never allow children to handle fireworks.
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eye wear.
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
- Never light fireworks indoors.
- Use fireworks away from people, houses and flammable material.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Never ignite firework devices in a container.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks.
- Never use illegal fireworks.
- Never allow children to hold or ignite sparklers. Sparklers may seem less harmless than traditional fireworks. But be warned, these burn at up to 2,000 degrees- hot enough to burn some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing and result in serious burns. Sparklers are a leading cause for sending children to the emergency room each year.
INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THIS 4th OF JULY?
OUR FIRM IS HERE FOR YOU!
Accidents often happen when you least expect it. If you are involved in any type of accident during the 4th of July- whether it be a car accident, pedestrian accident or slip and fall, our firm is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Spencer Aronfeld is a Board-Certified Trial Lawyer, and he and the lawyers at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws. Since 1991 we have fought hard to protect the legal rights of those injured due to someone else’s negligence. Contact us today and speak with an experienced attorney toll free 1-866-597-4529, local 305-441-0440, or by email. We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel, or hospital. Virtual sign-ups available. Call us today, we are ready to help.
SOURCES:
July 4 Travel Forecast: The Best and Worst Times to Leave – Newsweek
