How Common Are Fourth of July Drunk Driving Accidents?

The roads tend to be crowded on the Fourth of July and the days surrounding it. Many people get off from work, so traveling to see friends and family for the holiday is likely to be on their agenda. Those busy highways can be dangerous though, especially if people get behind the wheel after having a few drinks. If you get injured in an accident because somebody else was driving under the influence, you may want to pursue compensation. Our Monmouth County car accident attorneys may be able to help.

Is There a Spike in Deadly Accidents on the Fourth of July?

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, the Fourth of July holiday period can be particularly deadly. From 2017 to 2021, 1,460 drivers were killed in motor vehicle accidents. Of those who passed away, 38 percent were under the influence of alcohol at the time.

We all know that driving drunk is illegal. The problem is that some people have convinced themselves that having a drink or two and then getting on the road is safe. It is not. Even a small amount of alcohol in your system can make it harder for you to pay attention to the road. It can slow your reflexes, making it take longer to react. Driving while impaired is always dangerous.

How Can I Stay Safer on the Fourth of July?

You can take some steps to protect yourself on the road during this holiday though. We recommend that you:

• Stay sober, or have a sober designated driver ready for the drive home
• Do not rush to your destination
• Provide non-alcoholic beverages, if you are hosting a party
• Do not let any friends or loved ones drive while inebriated
• Buckle up
• Find a safe place to pull over and call 911 if you notice an impaired driver on the road

All of these actions can make the road safer for you and everyone around you this holiday weekend.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a Car Accident?

Even if you take every precaution, you may still get into a car accident. If you do, you need to act quickly to protect yourself and build a case. We recommend that you:

• Call 911 and get the cops to the scene
• Take pictures of the damaged vehicles and the accident scene
• Talk to any eyewitnesses and get their contact info
• Exchange information with the other driver involved in the crash
• Get any medical care that you need

If you end up looking at a pile of medical bills due to this accident, you should pursue compensation. One of our lawyers can help you do that.

Call Our Law Firm

So if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident, do not wait to pursue compensation. The Wilton Law Firm can help you make things right. Contact us today and set up your free initial consultation.