Fourth of July Weekend & Drunk Driving Accidents
Fourth of July is almost here, and with it comes celebration. Whether you and your loved ones are planning a backyard BBQ, pool party, or fun with fireworks, our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at Shook & Stone would like to remind everyone about the importance of staying safe this weekend. We hope everyone enjoys the holiday, and encourage those who plan on celebrating with alcohol to drink responsibly.
Alcohol on the Fourth of July is a staple for many. If you plan on drinking, please do so responsibly, as the Fourth of July holiday weekend historically sees high rates of alcohol-related accidents and injuries. This includes alcohol-related incidents around the pool and water, grills and barbecues, and fireworks. Even more concerning are the roadways, which commonly see a number of drunk driving accidents during this time of year.
Fourth of July DUI Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Fourth of July is one of deadliest holidays of the year due to drunk driving crashes. Data from the NHTSA reveals the following:
- From 2008 to 2012, 765 people died during the Fourth of July weekend in crashes where drivers had a BAC of .08% or more.
- Fatalities during the July 4th holiday period account for 40% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities over the five-year period.
Because of these alarming statistics, law enforcement officers across the nation increase their focus on drunk driving and on enforcing DUI laws. Agencies will often increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints throughout the weekend.
These efforts have been proven to greatly reduce the number of preventable drunk driving accidents, injuries, and traffic deaths. Unfortunately, they do not prevent everyone from making the negligent decision to get behind wheel while impaired.
Tips to Celebrate Safely
If you plan on drinking during the holiday weekend, it’s important to make sure that you are not driving. Designate a sober driver before any alcohol is consumed, and make sure that everyone in your party knows of this plan. You can also take public transportation to get where you need to go safely.
Make sure that all fireworks are purchased from a licensed seller, and are used in open areas away from buildings, dry grass, and flammable materials. Make sure that all participants in fireworks activities are supervised by an adult who is sober.
Have any questions regarding personal injury law? Contact Shook & Stone’s Las Vegas lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you seek compensation for your injuries or those of your loved ones.
The Rights of Injured Victims
Victims and families who suffer harm at the hands of drunk or impaired drivers may have the right to recover their damages and losses by filing a personal injury claim. At Shook & Stone, our car accident attorneys have successfully represented numerous car accident victims throughout the years, including those who were injured by drunk drivers. We’ve seen the devastating effects of drunk driving deaths first hand, which is why we encourage everyone to drink responsibly this coming holiday weekend.
If you have questions about your rights after a drunk driving accident victim, our legal team can help you find answers. To speak with a lawyer from our firm, call 702-570-0000 for a free consultation.