Your Guide to Safe Celebrations this Fourth of July

As Americans across the nation prepare to celebrate Independence Day, it’s important that safety measures are involved. Every year, our country experiences a spike in injuries and fatalities around Independence Day. The NHTSA reports that Independence Day annually ranks as the most dangerous holiday to travel around, with the holiday period in 2024 ranging from Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7. However, it isn’t only the most dangerous holiday for travelers, but rather, for all Americans. 

 The danger associated with the Fourth of July stems from the increase in travel, widespread firework usage, open fires, heightened boat traffic on US waters, poolside activities, widespread alcohol consumption, and more. Despite these risks, some of which are part of regular festivities, there are ways for you to celebrate the holiday while keeping your loved ones safe. 

Driving Safety 

The number of impaired drivers on the road significantly increases during the Independence Day holiday period. As many celebrations involve alcohol consumption, there are always reckless individuals who will drive under the influence. These individuals endanger their own lives, as well as the lives of other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. To avoid 4th of July car accidents, it’s important that you: 

• Plan ahead. Before hitting the road, perform a maintenance check on your vehicle. This means checking tire pressure, oil levels, lights, and brakes to ensure that all are in good working order. Additionally, planning your route ahead of time and considering alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion can help you to decrease your risk of getting in an accident.  
• Never drive under the influence (DUI). Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous, as these substances impair your judgement, decision-making, and reaction speed. Additionally, impaired drivers consistently rank as the leading cause of accidents, injuries, and fatalities around the holidays. Designate a sober driver or plan to stay the night if you are drinking. 
• Avoid distracted driving. Texting, talking to other passengers, looking out your windows, and self-grooming are all forms of distracted driving that can cause you to lose focus and become unaware of your surroundings. Keeping your eyes on the road and being vigilant while driving is essential for safety while navigating holiday traffic. 
• Obey posted speed limits, traffic signs, and signals. Summer traffic, notably during holidays, can be very congested. It is crucial to obey speed limits, signs, and signals while traveling. Additionally, being patient and not engaging in any reckless driving behaviors are necessary to ensure the safety of yourself and others.  

Boating Safety 

Boat owners across the nation enjoy getting on the water during summertime, especially for holidays like The Fourth of July. Whether you are driving the boat or a passenger, there are safety precautions to take before spending the day on the water. While on a boat, it’s important that you: 

• Wear Life Jackets. The simplest and most effective safety measure on a boat is wearing a life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that around 80% of drowning victims involved in boating accidents were not wearing life jackets. Ensure that you have enough life jackets onboard, so all passengers have properly fitted life jackets and understand how to use them.  
• Avoid Alcohol and Recreational Drugs. Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous. Alcohol and drugs can impair judgment and reaction times, significantly increasing the likelihood of an accident.   
• Stay Alert and Maintain a Safe Speed. Operator inattention and excessive speed are leading causes of boating accidents. Always maintain a proper lookout and adjust your speed according to traffic, weather, and water conditions.  
• Regular Maintenance. Ensure your boat is in working condition by performing regular maintenance checks. Pay attention to the engine, hull, and safety equipment to prevent mechanical failures.  
• Check the Weather. While on the water, the weather can change rapidly. Always check the forecast before heading out and be prepared to return to shore if conditions become unfavorable.  
• Know the Local Waters. Familiarize yourself with the local waterways, including navigation channels, sandbars, and common hazards. Use updated charts and GPS devices as resources. 
• Communicate Your Plans. Always inform a friend or family member of your boating plans, including your expected departure and return times.  

Firework Safety 

Despite being outlawed in some places, fireworks are the main event of every Fourth of July. Although they are incredible to watch, there are many risks associated with them. From malfunctions to burns, fireworks are inherently very dangerous and often best left to professionals. If you plan on lighting them off this year, you should: 

• Ensure that it’s legal to set them fireworks in your area. Check local laws and regulations regarding fireworks before purchasing them. 
• Only purchase fireworks from reputable vendors. Never purchase fireworks from an unknown or unofficial vendor, as they may be illegal, unpredictable, and dangerous. 
• Keep children away from fireworks. There should always be designated adults who are responsible for managing and igniting fireworks.  
• Create distance between the fireworks and any nearby individuals when lighting them. Ensure that fireworks are aimed up at the sky, and not at individuals or property. Maintaining a significant distance from them as they are ignited is crucial to safety. 
• Avoid holding fireworks once ignited. Holding fireworks as they’re lit creates a major risk of burns or explosions that can permanently damage an individual’s hands, face, or body.  
• Never try to relight a dud. If a firework doesn’t explode or appears to be a dud, do not attempt to reignite it. Leave it be or dispose of it properly.  
• Consider attending a local firework show. Rather than taking all the associated risks that come with lighting off your own fireworks, try to attend a professional firework show in your area.  

Grill and Open Fire Safety 

Grills and open fires are staples of almost any Independence Day celebration. However, there are always inherent risks when fire is involved. Some Fourth of July fire and grill safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration include: 

• Set up your grill or fire in an open area. When setting up your grill or fire, opt for open areas away from structure, trees, and flammable materials. 
• Never leave a fire unattended. Leaving a fire unattended, especially in a dry area on a hot day, can cause it to spread and wreak havoc. Always make sure that there’s someone tending to the fire, or that it is completely extinguished if you plan on leaving the area. With grills, it’s important to always make sure they’re cooled down prior to storing. 
• Use long-handled tools when tending to a grill or fire. Long-handled tools keep your hands and arms away from the heat and potential burn injuries. 
• Keep children away from any source of fire. Children must always be supervised around grills and open fires, as their carelessness or lack of knowledge can cause them to suffer burn injuries. For adults, it’s important to still exercise caution and awareness when around fire.  

Swimming Safety 

Swimming is a popular activity during Independence Day celebrations, but it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure everyone has a great time. While celebrating, be sure to follow these swimming safety tips: 

• Choose Safe Swimming Areas: Opt for designated swimming areas with lifeguards whenever possible. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar or unmarked bodies of water. 
• Supervise Constantly: Assign a responsible adult to actively supervise children and inexperienced swimmers. Keep an eye on swimmers at all times and avoid distractions. 
• Know Your Limits: Swim within your ability. Avoid overestimating your swimming skills, especially in open water where currents can be unpredictable. 
• Wear Proper Floatation Devices: Ensure weaker swimmers and children wear Coast Guard-approved3 life jackets or floatation devices. These provide added buoyancy and safety in case of fatigue or emergencies. 

As we celebrate Independence Day with family and friends, it’s important to keep safety in mind during our festivities. Whether you’re enjoying a poolside barbecue or a day at the beach, following these safety tips ensures that everyone can have a fun and memorable time without unnecessary risks. Let’s all celebrate the Fourth of July together, knowing that our commitment to safety enhances our freedom to fully enjoy this special holiday. 

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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