Whether you’re in a car or on a boat or personal watercraft, use caution as you ring in Independence Day — and the other summer weekends that follow
I hope all of you are having a happy 4th of July. We all know that summertime — especially the July 4 holiday — is a time for fun, family, and relaxation as we celebrate our Independence Day.
If you’ll forgive my own shameless plug of my previous blog posts, it’s also a good time to share some thoughts on summer safety — especially for preventing boat accidents (our attorneys always receive a spike of calls after July 4), and other tips for a safe and wonderful summer. So, if you’re taking a car or a boat out today, here are some past tips that can make your experience more safe and enjoyable:
- 10 safety tips for July 4
- 7 most common causes of boating accidents
- What happens if I’m rear-ended while hauling a jet ski or boat?
Fatal auto wrecks spike the weekend that follows the 4th of July
There are more fatal auto wrecks caused by drinking and driving on summer weekends. Labor Day weekend is statistically the most dangerous weekend, but the Fourth of July is not far behind for the number of car accidents on our roads.
So please keep these safety pointers in mind to help protect you and your family on the roads this summer:
- Buckle up: Make sure all passengers are buckled up and children are in safety seats appropriate for their age and size.
- Avoid driving distracted: Establish and enforce a cellphone distraction-free zone, especially when you are behind the wheel.
- Understand that cars equipped with electronic devices like GPS also can be distracting: I’m not saying not to use it, but understand it is dangerous and be careful. Don’t program your GPS, for example, when you are driving.
- Allow plenty of travel time: This will help avoid frustration and diminish the impulse to speed.
- Drive defensively: Exercise caution, especially during inclement weather and in road construction and freeway construction zones.
- No drinking and driving: Designate a non-drinking driver or plan for alternative transportation, such as a taxi or Uber when you go out with your friends over the summer weekends.
With that, our accident lawyers want you to have a safe and happy 4th of July.
