The Fourth of July is the perfect time to relax and bond with family and friends. Unfortunately, it is also one of the deadliest celebrations of the year; nearly 409 people die and another 49,500 suffer injuries over the holiday period.
The best way to stay safe on Independence Day is to know the dangers and be proactive about avoiding them. Common hazards on July Fourth include:
- Fireworks;
- Drowning;
- And drunk drivers.
If the worst happens and you sustain an injury due to another person’s negligence, contact an Alexandria accident attorney from Morris Bart, LLC. We will evaluate your case and guide you through the claims process.
Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation. In the meantime, read on to learn about three common causes of injuries on July Fourth:
Fireworks
It’s difficult to imagine an Independence Day celebration without fireworks. However, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 230 people visit emergency rooms every day with fireworks-related injuries within one month of July Fourth weekend. More than 50 percent of fireworks injuries are burns, which not only can be painful but also may cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Drowning
Because Independence Day happens in mid-summer, many people celebrate around swimming pools, lakes and other waterways. The combination of alcohol, rambunctious behavior and swimming can be a recipe for tragedy.
Young children are particularly susceptible to injuries or fatalities around water. If you are hosting a pool party, make sure a responsible adult is supervising the children at all times. Do not let kids swim alone, make sure they do not run near the pool, and install slip-resistant grip on any ladders or stairs.
Drunk Drivers
Road accidents spike on the Fourth of July.
In 2014, 164 people died in accidents that involved drivers with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 percent or higher over the July Fourth holiday period, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Fortunately, there are easy ways to reduce your risk of becoming a statistic:
- Do not drink and drive;
- Appoint a designated driver;
- Take a taxi or rideshare service;
- Or host a party at your place.
You should also keep your distance from drivers who show signs of intoxication. Be cautious if you notice another driver:
- Swerving;
- Braking or accelerating abnormally;
- Stopping well before or after a stop line;
- Almost hitting an object in the road;
- Parking too far from the curb;
- Not using the headlights at night;
- Or using the wrong turn signal, or no turn signal at all.
If you host a party, designate an area for friends and family to stay overnight. This will help them avoid being on the road with drunk drivers.
If you suffer an injury on July Fourth due to another person’s negligence, contact Morris Bart, LLC. An Alexandria accident attorney will evaluate your case, gather evidence, structure your claim, and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
