Celebrating the Fourth of July with barbecues, friends, and fireworks is a long-held and long beloved American tradition. Unfortunately, drinking and driving has become a part of this tradition and it is costing people their lives. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that, in 2021 alone, there were 493 motor vehicle fatalities over the July 4th holiday and 41 percent of these deaths occurred in alcohol-impaired crashes. This is not the legacy the founding fathers might have imagined, but it has become a very dangerous reality.
Why the Fourth of July Is One of the Deadliest Holidays
The Fourth of July has become one of the deadliest holidays of the year in the U.S. and this is due to the increase in DUIs this time of the year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that the month of July, generally speaking, is the deadliest month of DUIs. Experts assert that this is due, in large part, to the Fourth of July holiday. The holiday brings more group gatherings and holiday celebrations where there is likely to be alcohol consumed. The increase in alcohol consumption, in turn, translates to higher incidences of DUIs on the roads.
Driving under the influence puts everyone at risk. With alcohol consumption comes slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, and inhibited reflexes. Depending on the level of intoxication, a person may also experience blurred vision. They may be more prone to making reckless driving decisions such as speeding, excessive lane changing, and overall more aggressive driving behaviors. Those driving under the influence have also been known to drift in and out of lanes. Combine all of these side effects and it makes for one dangerous driver on the road that has the potential to cause devastating damage.
Throughout this month, make a plan and stay safe. For starters, do not drink and drive. If you plan on drinking, be sure you have a designated driver. Alternatively, you can call a rideshare company, such as Uber or Lyft. Have a celebration at home or make a hotel reservation, celebrate there, and all you need to do is walk back to your room when the festivities wind down. There are plenty of ways we can all reclaim the Fourth of July holiday to make it safer for everyone. We can all do our part to keep each other safe.
North Dakota Personal Injury Attorneys
This summer season, stay safe out there on the roads. You may be the safest driver there is, but one encounter with a drunk driver could still upturn your life. If you have been injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, during the Fourth of July holiday or at any other time, the team at Pringle & Herigstad are here for you. We will zealously advocate on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.
