The 4th of July is one of the most beloved American holidays. It is a time for family and a time to enjoy the beautiful summer weather! Most Americans spend the 4th of July barbecuing with friends, watching the fireworks and you guessed it—having a couple of adult beverages.
Unfortunately, the 4th of July is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. According to Traffic SAfety Marketing, over 146 people were killed in drunk driving accidents in 2015 when the drivers’ blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08 or higher and 92 people died involving crashes when the BAC was 0.15 percent—almost double the legal limit.
This is a huge reason for concern. Drunk driving is never a good idea and should be taken very seriously. This year, the 4th of July falls on a Tuesday but that doesn’t mean the celebrating won’t happen. Here are some tips to making your 4th of July an enjoyable one—and ways to ensure you or a loved one doesn’t drink and drive.
1. Choose a Designated Driver
A very easy way to not drive under the influence is to choose a designated driver. Hopefully one of your friends or family members will be okay with staying sober this holiday and they should be the one with the car or boat keys.
If you are the designated driver, limit your drinking intake and take into consideration the other people on the road. Try not to get distracted by anyone in your vehicle that may be intoxicated and keep your eyes on the road.
2. Have a backup plan
Fortunately, these days there is a plethora of options as far as ride sharing or taxis go. If you are with a group of people or on your own, always have a backup plan of calling a friend or calling an Uber, Taxi or Lyft for a safe ride home. Download the apps now (if you don’t have them already) to be prepared for your holiday ride needs!
Believe us, even if one of these services is going through a price surge, it will be cheaper than a DUI. Also, this way, if your designated driver accidentally drinks more than expected (it’s happened to all of us!) then you are guaranteed a safe ride home.
3. Head Home Early
Another option is to limit your drinking and head home early before the roads become filled with traffic. We all know how crazy it can be out there right after the fireworks end and everyone is trying to get home as quickly as possible. Heading home early can keep you off the busy roads where there may be drunk drivers and allow you to have a drink in the privacy and safety of your own home.
4. Stay Hydrated
The 4th of July is usually one of the warmest days of the year. It is a great day to be outside, getting tan and enjoying the sunshine, but with the heat and the combination of alcohol, it is easy to get dehydrated. Remember to drink water throughout the day and to pace yourself Also, drinking water between each alcoholic beverage may help you pace yourself this Independence Day. Not only will it help you cool down from the summer heat, it may also help you stay sober!
5. Report Drunk Drivers
For your safety and the safety of others, make sure to report any suspicious activity to the police. If you see someone who appears to be impaired getting into a car, please help them find alternate transportation.
As always, take great caution driving on the 4th of July! Hopefully these tips will be a good guide to having a sober driver and getting home safely. Drinking and driving is a huge issue in the USA.
Let Matthew Lopez Law PLLC in Tempe, AZ help you with any DUI’s or criminal defense cases that may occur this summer. We will take care of you and help you resolve your issues with the law in a quick and helpful manner.