How You Can Help Save Lives This Fourth of July

With the nation’s birthday only a day away, people are preparing for their Fourth of July parties. While some might simply have a backyard barbeque with their immediate family, others might be throwing large parties inviting everyone they know. Although most parties will involve fireworks, almost all parties involve alcohol on this day. In fact, Fourth of July weekend is one of the scariest times to be on the road due to drunk drivers.

Although a new study has been released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealing the fact that the number of drivers with alcohol in their system has decreased since 2007, there are still drunk drivers on the road affecting everyone’s safety on the Fourth of July. Additionally, there are many drivers impaired by illegal drugs.

The same study released by NHTSA found that while drunk driving has declined, drivers using marijuana and other illegal drugs has increased. The study states that the number of drivers with marijuana in their system doubled from 2007 to 2014.

Whether drivers use alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs at Fourth of July parties, it is critical that they don’t get behind the wheel to drive home. Unfortunately, many people think they can get home safely after they have been partying. Sadly, many of these people end up being involved in fatal crashes where they die or they kill someone else.

The Reality of Driving Drunk

About 10,000 people die every year due to drunk driving, according to NHTSA. Because of this, NHTSA is leading the effort to bring an end to drunk driving through their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. They are asking everyone to do their part and spread the word in order to save lives.

So how can you help this Fourth of July?

• Don’t drive buzzed, drunk or impaired by drugs.
• Party responsibly. Designate a sober driver ahead of time.
• Don’t let your friends or loved ones drive drunk or impaired.
• If you host a party, call taxi cabs for partygoers or let them spend the night.
• Call 911 to report an erratic driver on the road.
• Don’t text and drive. Stay alert and focused on the road during this holiday.

Although you may do your part and drive sober and safely, you could still get injured by a reckless driver impaired by alcohol or drugs. If you are injured in a drunk driving crash over Fourth of July weekend due to someone else’s poor choices, please give the Law Offices of David Benenfeld a call at 866-9 HELP NOW or (954) 677-0155(954) 677-0155 You can speak with a South Florida injury attorney and get your legal questions answered in a free consultation today.