Celebrating the Fourth of July Safely
After being mostly cooped up for the last few months because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, many of us are looking forward to the festivities and fireworks that come with the upcoming Fourth of July holiday as things slowly reopen and become a bit more like what we are used to. Whether you are planning to barbecue, have a picnic, or watch a lights display, it is important to sit back for a moment and think about the fact that there is unfortunately a hazardous element to many of the aspects of these celebrations. After all, no one wants to have to stop celebrating to deal with the repercussions of an unexpected injury.
You should keep the following things in mind when planning your Independence Day celebration this year.
- The roads are not a place you really want to be. Unfortunately, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Independence Day has historically been the deadliest holiday on the road for Americans. Between 2014 and 2018, the Fourth of July holiday had by far the highest number of traffic fatalities with more than 650 deaths during that period. Keep in mind that people are beginning to travel again which means that there will be some tourists in town who are unfamiliar with the roads. Consider staying in one location for the duration of the day or even celebrating at home.
- The pandemic isn’t over. Despite the fact that many public places and businesses have reopened, the danger of contracting COVID-19 is unfortunately still a very real one. It recently made national headlines when a group of 16 friends all tested positive for coronavirus after a night out at a recently reopened Florida bar. This is yet another reason to consider celebrating from the safety of your living room or patio where you can control and limit the number of people who come in and out of your home.
- Drinking responsibly is a marathon, not a sprint. Experts advise that is important to drink slowly as opposed to binge drinking. Spacing out your drinks can ensure that you don’t end up with unwanted complications such as alcohol poisoning and dehydration. Further, monitor those around you, especially any guests who will be driving and make sure that you stop serving alcohol well before the celebration is over so people have time to sober up before hitting the road.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in an Accident This Fourth of July Season Because of Someone Else’s Negligence?
Sadly, even understanding the risks of the day and undertaking measures to avoid them cannot stop every accident from occurring this Fourth of July season, especially when someone else’s negligence is involved. However, it is important to understand that you have every right to hold a person responsible for his or her negligent actions when they have led to you being injured which can include compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. As the Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we can examine the circumstances of your injury and advise you on the best way to proceed to maximize the chances of being successful with your claim. Reach out to us for help today.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Tampa, Bradenton, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach areas.
https://www.pendaslaw.com/helping-teen-drivers-stay-safe-on-the-road-this-summer/