Florida Car Accident Statistics on Fourth of July
On the Fourth of July, many Americans gather to celebrate with friends and family while enjoying barbecue and fireworks. Unfortunately, while this is a fun holiday for many, it causes a high volume of car accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that from 2015 to 2019, there were more than 1,300 fatal collisions nationwide during the Fourth of July weekend. Of those collisions, 38 percent resulted from drunk driving. Here, you can read all about Florida’s Fourth of July car accident statistics and learn how you can stay safe.
Why Does Florida See a Lot of Car Accidents on Fourth of July Weekend?
Fourth of July sees more car accidents than on typical days because:
There Are More People on the Road
The Tampa Bay Times reports that between July 2021 and September 2021, more than 32 million people visited Florida. Many of Florida’s roads cannot host that number of people––and many incoming travelers are unfamiliar with the roads themselves.
The more people on a roadway, the more likely accidents are to happen.
Some Motorists Drive While Intoxicated
As noted, the NHTSA reports that many collisions on the Fourth of July happen because of drunk drivers. Intoxication causes drivers to experience:
- Harm to their vision
- Reduced coordination and the reduced ability to track moving objects
- Difficulty steering
- Reduced responses to emergencies
- Cognitive impairments
- Difficultly maintaining one’s position on the road
These impairments can cause devastating crashes. The NHTSA reports that even if a driver has one drink, they should catch a ride with someone who was not drinking at all.
Some Motorists Drive While Fatigued
Many people road trip to a fun destination on the Fourth of July. They might try to make the trip there and back in one day. If this happens, drivers could experience fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), driving while tired shares many of the consequences of drunk driving, such as poor vision and cognitive impairments.
Impatience Can Lead to Road Rage
Congestion, stalled traffic, and other factors can test one’s patience––especially while driving. Yet, road rage is more than profanity and obscene gestures; it can also cause one to:
- Speed
- “Cut off” other drivers
- Change lanes without signaling
- Tailgate
- Brake suddenly (sometimes called “brake checking”)
- Fail to yield
- Drive aggressively
How Can I Stay Safe in Florida This Fourth of July Weekend?
The NHTSA notes that during the summer, Floridians (and out-of-state visitors) face driving challenges not present in other seasons. It suggests that motorists:
Stay Alert
Even if there doesn’t appear to be anyone on the road, drivers should remain vigilant. This may include silencing their cellphones, limiting conversations between passengers, and keeping both hands on the wheel.
Use Assistive Technologies
Out-of-state drivers may spend more time looking for their destinations than on the road in front of them. So, they should rely on their phones’ navigational tools to help them get from point A to point B. Some apps even allow drivers to customize their own routes and avoid congested areas.
Avoid Risky Behaviors
Every motorist must follow traffic rules and guidelines. This involves abiding by the speed limit, refraining from intoxicated driving, and following traffic control devices.
Change Drivers Every Few Hours
No matter how strong your willpower, you can only drive a certain number of hours before fatigue or distraction sets in. To prevent these hazards, you should switch drivers every few hours, so you don’t drive for long periods. If you’re driving alone, map out some rest stops along the way to your destination. That way, you can recharge.
These are just some tips that can keep drivers safe while on Florida’s roads this Fourth of July.
Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Wishes Everyone a Safe Fourth of July
Our Florida personal injury law firm wishes everyone a happy Fourth of July this summer. By understanding Florida’s car accident statistics, you can make safe decisions while enjoying the holiday at the same time. If you suffer harm in an accident caused by negligence, our team is here to provide legal support. For more information about partnering with our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers team, Dial (954) 633-8270.
