26 Jun

5 Tips For Avoiding Drunk Driving Accidents On The 4th of July: Responsible Celebrating

With the 4th of July quickly approaching, many people are making plans for how they’ll celebrate the holiday. What many don’t realize when making their plans, is that the 4th of July is considered the 4th “booziest holiday,” in the U.S., so safety can swiftly become a major concern. While alcohol is used as a means for relaxation, special occasions, celebrations, and more, what starts as an innocent celebration can escalate into devastating accidents when those who are inebriated decide to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. In fact, from 2017-2021, there were 1,460 drivers killed in traffic crashes, 554 of those drivers were drunk. This holiday it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and make smart decisions to prevent similar travesties from happening. Below are 5 tips for avoiding drunk driving accidents on the 4th of July and celebrating independence day responsibly.

1) Stay Sober

The number one way to avoid drunk driving accidents is to stay sober. There is no reason to ever get in the driver’s seat when you’re under the influence of alcohol, and if you don’t drink, you can’t get drunk and drive. While many people don’t like to take on the role of a designated driver or have a fear of missing out on the celebration if they don’t partake in alcohol consumption, eliminating the possibility of injuring yourself or others far outweighs one night of celebrating. One fact that might come as a shock is that drunk drivers are more likely to survive a crash than sober passengers or other drivers. Driving drunk is a selfish act and alcohol can lead to poor decision-making that can leave lasting effects on someone else’s life indefinitely, as well as your own. If you’re caught driving under the influence, or you cause an accident, you could face jail time, extreme fines of up to $10,000, loss of driving privileges and other freedoms, and more.

2) Have A Backup Plan

Even if you plan to stay sober, it’s good to also establish a backup plan. Oftentimes people are unfortunately coerced into drinking when they identify themselves as a sober party or decide that one or two beers wouldn’t hurt, but end up feeling the effects stronger than they expected. If that’s the case, having a backup plan is a smart and safe way to avoid drunk driving accidents and keep yourself and others out of danger. Calling on a friend or family member to pick you up if you’re under the influence is another easy way to get home and avoid the possibility of injury or worse.

No matter what option you choose, it’s important to party with a plan. Many people think that driving home late is a proper backup plan because they’ve had time to “sober up,” or no one is on the road, when in fact nighttime is the most dangerous time to be on the road during the 4th. In fact, in 2019 between 6 p.m.–5:59 a.m. 154 people died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes [Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving]. This year, remember that no matter what time it is, someone’s father, mother, sister, brother, child, or spouse is on the road to get to or from a celebration just like you, so it’s important to consider the safety of not just yourself, but others as well.

3) Plan To Stay

Planning to stay the night at the location of wherever you’ll be celebrating this 4th of July is a foolproof way to avoid a drunk driving accident as you’re eliminating the need to leave the party at all. While some choose to celebrate in more public locations like beaches, restaurants, and parks, many people celebrate at backyard barbecues or pool parties. Stay off the roads all together this holiday and plan to stay over. Remember that a coffee or greasy food isn’t going to sober you up fast and it’s possible to still be intoxicated the next morning. Time is the only thing that can help you get sober.

4) Be Proactive

Being proactive is another way to not only prevent yourself from being involved in a drunk driving accident, but others as well. For example, if you’re the host of a 4th of July party, it’s important to be mindful of who and what you’re serving. It’s also important to limit your own alcohol intake so that you can be more aware of others’ consumption as well, and prevent yourself from serving those who you know will be driving home from your event. If you’re a bystander of a party who is also a designated driver, you can keep a keen eye out for others who might’ve planned on driving, but clearly need safe transportation home.

5) Take Advantage Of Rideshare

In today’s day and age, safe transportation can be arranged within seconds using apps like Uber and Lyft, so even if you can’t arrange a ride home with a friend or family member, this is always a reliable option that can eliminate the risk of drunk driving accidents. In fact, two researchers at the University of California found that ride-sharing has decreased US alcohol-related traffic fatalities by 6.1%. As of 2017, Uber has been available across Florida and Lyft covers the majority of cities in the state as well. When in doubt, download the Uber or Lyft app to arrange rideshare with a safe driver.

How The Florida Law Group Can Help

There is never a good reason to drive when you’re intoxicated, holiday or not. If you’re one of the ones who choose to be responsible this 4th of July and find yourself injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, The Florida Law Group can help. It isn’t fair that you should suffer physically, emotionally, and financially because of someone else’s poor choices. Our drunk driving accident attorneys have over 100+ years of combined experience helping victims of drunk driving accidents get the compensation they deserve and we can do the same for you. Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your next steps.