How Drivers Can Stay Safe During the 4th of July

Our Fort Lauderdale Car Crash Law Firm is Here to Help Florida Drivers Avoid the Dangers of Driving During the 4th of July Weekend

The 4^th of July is one of the busiest times of the year on South Florida’s roadways.  AAA estimates more than 42 million people will hit the road this holiday weekend taking trips of at least 50 miles.  The 4^th of July weekend has more cars on the road than even Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day.

With the increase in traffic comes an increase in car accidents.  Because of the increased traffic, the National Safety Council estimates there will be more than 400 car accident deaths which occur over 4^th of July weekend.  More than 40% of those car accident fatalities will involve a driver impaired by alcohol

Since you now know about the increased risk of car accidents over the 4^th of July weekend, here are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself, and your friends and family from serious injuries:

Don’t Drink and Drive

We all know this is a recipe for disaster.  But throw in thousands of extra cars on the roads, and the likelihood of “arriving alive” after drinking alcoholic beverages and getting behind the wheel of a car becomes slim.  Don’t get in a car with a driver that has been drinking either.

Wear Your Seatbelt

Car manufacturers have made tremendous safety improvements to modern cars.  The main improvement is the shoulder and lap seatbelt.  The Center for Disease Control provides some startling statistics about the benefits of wearing a seatbelt:

• Almost 53% of drivers and passengers killed in car crashes in 2019 were not wearing restraints.
• Seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45%, and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%
• People not wearing a seat belt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash.  More than 3 out of 4 people who are ejected during a fatal crash die from their injuries.

Reduce your Speed

More cars on the road, means more hazards to avoid.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration studies have shown that almost 33% of car accident deaths.  In 2018 alone, there were almost 10,000 traffic fatalities caused as a result of a vehicle traveling too fast for the conditions.  Slow down this 4^th of July.  You’ll enjoy the drive, and the rest of your life, much more.

Avoid Aggressive Drivers

its not enough anymore to just worry about your driving anymore.  Now you have to be aware of your surroundings, detours and road construction, and most importantly the drivers around you.  Aggressive driving and road rage are becoming more and more common causes of car accidents in Florida.  Some of the most frequently seen bad conduct is:

• Car racing
• Tailgating
• Changing lanes at high speeds without using a turn signal
• Trying to “beat” the light or running red lights

Avoid Driving at the Peak Accident Hours

If possible, limit your driving from 6:00 PM to 5:59 AM. Fatal accidents are 5 times more likely to occur during this time period than other times of the day.

Look Out for Impaired Drivers

Whether its drunk driving, a driver who is “high,” or just a driver using his cell phone while driving, we have all seen what happens.  Failing to keep a single lane, swerving back and forth, driving too fast or too slow for conditions.  Look for signs of impaired drivers, traffic crashes, stranded or disabled motorists, or any suspicious incidents occurring on Florida roadways, dial *FHP(347) to report it to the Florida Highway Patrol.

If the Worst Happens, The Maus Law Firm is Here for You

If you or a loved one has been involved in a 4^th of July car accident, contact the Maus Law Firm for a free consultation to learn about your rights. We’re located in Fort Lauderdale and serve all of South Florida.