Frequently Asked Questions About 4th of July Safety

Here are the answers to the questions we hear the most about 4th of July Safety. If you have any questions please feel free to call our office at 407-422-4529.

What is the deadliest driving holiday of the year?

The National Safety Council (NCS) labels the Fourth of July as the deadliest driving holiday of the year. Last year, the four day travel period resulted in the death of an estimated 540 motorists and 58,000 serious injuries. Deaths prevented by the use of seatbelts were 196 last Fourth of July weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, between 2007 and 2011, alcohol accounted for 61 traffic fatalities per day over the Fourth of July travel period, more than any other major holiday. read on to learn from the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael T. Gibson what you can do this holiday to stay safe.

What are some firework safety tips to remember this Fourth of July?

• NEVER allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers. Teenagers should use fireworks ONLY under close adult supervision.
• Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees. That’s hot enough to melt some metals. Parents should be aware that these are not a “safe alternative” to fireworks. Young children and teenagers can suffer serious burn injuries from these.
• Avoid purchasing fireworks that are packaged in brown paper. This is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and can cause serious danger to consumers.
• Light fireworks one at a time and then move back, quickly.
• Light fireworks in an open outdoor area, away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.
• NEVER aim a firework at another individual or place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse.
• NEVER carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them from a metal or glass container.
• Keep a bucket of water close by to fully extinguish fireworks that do not properly go off or malfunction.

What are some driving safety tips to remember this Fourth of July weekend?

• Refrain from distracted driving behaviors, including: cell phone use, eating and drinking behind the wheel, dashboard distractions such as GPS and radio usage, attending to passengers in the vehicle while driving, etc.
• ALWAYS wear a seatbelt and make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled-up. Children should ride in the back seat and secured in a proper child safety seat or booster seat.
• If you plan on drinking, designate a non-drinking driver before heading out.
  Utilize your state’s sober ride program (i.e. – AAA’s “Tow to Go” program)
• If you have young drivers in the family, strictly enforce a zero tolerance policy with alcohol.
• Avoid engaging in aggressive driving behaviors. Focus on the road and keep your emotions in-check when behind the wheel.
• Do not tailgate or flash your lights at another driver.
• NEVER get in the car with an intoxicated driver.
• NEVER leave a child unattended in a vehicle, especially in the Florida summer heat.

What are the consequences of drinking and driving in the State of Florida?

• Fines and court costs
• Possible jail time
• Lose your driver’s license
• Higher insurance rates
• Being involved in a serious car accident

What is the most dangerous time to be on the roads during the Fourth of July weekend?

Nighttime proved to be the most dangerous time to be on the road during the holiday weekend. More than 80% of fatalities occurred between the hours of 6 P.M. and 6 A.M.

We Are Here To Help, Even During The 4th of July Weekend

At the Law Firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A., we want you to stay safe this Fourth of July weekend. If you or a loved one are involved in a car accident or suffer injury as a result of someone else’s negligence this holiday weekend, it is important that you contact an experienced Orlando Personal Injury Attorney immediately.

Our experienced team of accident attorneys can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, future medical treatment, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc. Feel free to fill out our quick contact form on our website to discuss your legal options in greater detail. For more information check out our holiday safety resource.