Dangers of Fourth of July Car Accidents

As July 4th approaches, many Rhode Islanders are preparing for fireworks, barbecues, or a day at the beach. Independence Day is all about celebrating our freedom as a country. However, our freedom comes with many responsibilities, like driving safely. With large numbers of people celebrating the holiday, distracted and impaired drivers are taking to the roads at much higher volumes and thus, car accidents are more likely than at any other time during the summer. Rhode Island Car Accident Attorney David Tapalian wants everyone to have a fun and safe holiday, and reminds you to be aware of the dangers of driving this summer holiday weekend.

Independence Day Crashes Can Be Deadly

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 565 people will be killed and 64,500 will be seriously injured in car accidents on the Fourth of July. This is almost 5 times the number of fatalities, and 6 times the number of injuries that occur on an average day. The Independence Day holiday is technically considered a four day period, which starts late on Wednesday, July 3^rd and ends on Sunday, July 7^th. Thus, any of the days during this period are known to be especially dangerous for drivers. Below is more information to keep you informed as we head into the holiday weekend.

Alcohol & Driving on the 4th of July

The Fourth of July is a time of celebration and often, alcohol is involved at these festivities. According to the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40% of all deadly traffic crashes on the 4^th of July are related to alcohol. In almost all of these situations, the driver had a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or higher, almost twice the legal limit. At Tapalian Law, our Rhode Island car accident lawyers see hundreds of tragic accidents caused by drunk drivers, who put the safety of everyone on the road at risk. Before you get behind the wheel this 4^th of July, think of the consequences of driving under the influence.

Distracted Drivers on the Road

During the 4^th of July, there are thousands of more people on the road than on a typical day. Further, people are traveling far distances to celebrate, and many are preoccupied using their phones to navigate or call friends. Additionally, many families and friends carpool during the 4^th to parties and cookouts. However, these additional passengers can be just as distracting as a cell phone for drivers. The difference between a fun Fourth of July celebration and a fatal car crash could be one distracted driver. It is imperative to the safety of you and your family that the driver of your car is alert, aware, and distraction-free.

Tips for Staying Safe

As a car accident attorney, David Tapalian knows most auto accidents are avoidable. The following are simple, yet effective ways to avoid a serious car accident this holiday weekend:

• Use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft
  • If you’ve been drinking or even just feel tired, this is a safer option than getting behind the wheel.
• Drive defensively
  • Never assume that others around you are going to abide by the laws.
• Wear your seat belt
  • Seat belts are 45% effective in preventing fatalities according to the NHTSA.
• Reduce distractions by keeping your phone away
  • If possible, have a passenger speak on the phone on your behalf and also do the same for navigation.
  • If you are driving alone, be sure to use hands-free technology when navigating or speaking on the telephone.

Consult a RI Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash

The injury experts at Tapalian Law want everyone to have a fun and safe Fourth of July. However, if you find yourself in a dangerous accident this holiday, contact Attorney David Tapalian. An accident can have a serious, lasting impact on your life. As the National Safety Council says, “Sober and attentive driving could be the difference between watching fireworks and watching ambulance lights.” At Tapalian Law, our personal injury professionals will go above and beyond to help you get compensation for your accident. With a trusted team of Rhode Island personal injury experts, we will guide you through the correct procedures to move forward smoothly and can create a plan to strengthen your case to make sure you have the greatest chance of reimbursement. With offices in Providence, RI, Warwick, RI, and Seekonk, MA, we are easily accessible, or we can come to you. Call us at 401-552-5000 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.