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July 4, 2014 is the 237th birthday of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Americans love to celebrate birthdays and especially, the Fourth of July.  We join family and friends in celebrating with food and fireworks. Some 42 million Americans are expected to travel by vehicle 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day weekend. With parties, BBQ’s, parades and fireworks planned all across the country, Americans are expected to consume approximately 155 million hot dogs and about 68 million cases of beer.

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), a higher volume of holiday travelers, including a significantly higher number of alcohol-impaired drivers, causes nearly twice the number of automotive deaths during summer months than during the rest of the year combined.  Statistically, July 4 is the most dangerous driving day of the year in the United States.

More than 400 people died in traffic accidents during the entire July 4th holiday period last year, according to data from the NHTSA; nearly 40 percent of those deaths were in crashes involving alcohol. In Florida, over 877 people were killed and another 12,066 injured in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver in 2013.

Fourth of July celebrations often extend well into the early evening and night. Statistically, the proportion of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes is almost 4.5 times higher at night. 

Impaired drivers risk hurting or killing themselves or someone else.  Also, the trauma and financial costs of an alcohol-impaired crash or an arrest can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their drivers' licenses, higher insurance rates, and other unanticipated expenses ranging from fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost time at work.

In addition to the dangers posed by drunk driving on roadways, the United States Coast Guard reports that alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in boating fatalities last year. In fact, it was the leading factor in 17 percent of boating deaths.

Whether you are on the road or on the water, the dangers of drinking and driving are the same.

Southwest Florida Personal Injury Attorney, Randall Spivey says, "While these fatalities are devastating, they are 100 percent preventable. Planning ahead does not mean you cannot still have fun; it means taking responsibility and making a decision to keep you, your loved ones and everyone else on the road safe."

A few simple precautions while:

Driving (Source: NHTSA) 

• Have a plan before festivities begin to have a safe way home.
• Designate a sober driver before drinking.
• Do not get behind the wheel if you are impaired.  Call a taxi, use public transportation or call a sober family member or friend to be sure you get home safely.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact any law enforcement agency.  You may save someone's life.
• Take the keys away from potentially impaired drivers and help them make other arrangements of getting home. Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Dunk.

Boating (Source: U.S. Coast Guard - Boating Safety Resource Center)

• Have food, snacks and a variety of cool, non-alcoholic, beverages available.
• Wear clothes that keep the body cooler
• Limit trips to reasonable times to avoid fatigue.
• Plan parties that include alcohol for time while ashore at a dock, picnic area, or boating club.
• Having "no alcohol" on board is the safest way to enjoy a day on the water.

Remember that even if you are not drinking, it is imperative to be very vigilant while you are on the road this July 4th weekend. With many impaired drivers, it would be a good idea to practice defensive driving skills, and make sure everyone in the car is wearing their seatbelt.

Hurt By Drunk Driver Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just1percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.