Many people are out on the road on July 4, going to Independence Day parties and visiting family. Unfortunately, that also makes it one of the most dangerous times of the year for drivers, when they are unusually likely to get injured in motor vehicle accidents. Here are five ways for you to stay safe while on the road this Independence Day:
- Make sure your vehicle is in good repair
- With people driving far less during the pandemic, many people have not been keeping up with their vehicle maintenance as they previously might have. This could mean you may have unseen mechanical issues that will impede your ability to drive safely, and which could result in a sudden mechanical failure. Making sure your car is properly maintained can be expensive, but it’s far cheaper than the repair bills and hospital bills that might come about from an accident.
- Be careful if driving when it’s dark
- Motor vehicle accidents are significantly more likely to occur when it’s dark outside than when the sun is out. This means that driving late at night or early in the morning is far more dangerous than driving during the day. With people driving for Independence Day fireworks shows, the risks of a nighttime accident are unusually high. If you must drive in the dark, drive slowly and be wary of any vehicles or pedestrians in the dark. Just a little bit of caution can help protect you or your passengers from unnecessary harm.
- Never drive while under the influence
- Independence Day is a day for fireworks, barbecues, and, of course, drinking. Unfortunately, many people will choose to drink and drive on July 4, putting everyone at risk with their erratic and dangerous driving. While you may not be able to stop other people from driving under the influence, you can ensure you will be driven by a designated driver if you choose to drink. You can also ensure others do not drive if you believe them to be drunk, or under the influence of another intoxicating substance.
- Drive defensively, not aggressively
- With all sorts of people driving on the road, it can be difficult to maintain your composure. Even if you don’t engage in outright road rage, it can be tempting to drive aggressively, especially if other people are driving dangerously around Independence Day. This kind of behavior, aside from being immature, is also incredibly risky, placing yourself and everyone around you at a much higher risk of an injury. Driving defensively, by comparison, is dull, but is much more likely to get you home safely.
- Avoid unnecessary distractions
- Finally, make sure to avoid any unnecessary distractions that might keep your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. Cell phones are the most common modern culprit for distracted driving, but there are also plenty of people who will eat food, read books, shave, put on makeup, or perform other tasks when they are supposed to be driving. This kind of multitasking is dangerous, substantially increasing the risk of an accident, at a time when you should be happily celebrating.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should seek out the personal injury lawyers at Zlotolow & Associates. Our seasoned New York personal injury attorneys bring more than two decades of trial experience to your case. We serve all five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau and Suffolk County. Our aggressive personal injury attorneys always demand maximum compensation. We have helped thousands of clients recover through settlements and courtroom verdicts. To schedule a consultation, you can call us at 866-800-0092, or you can visit our contact page.
