The 20 Best Driving Tips For An Extra-Safe 4th Of July On The Road

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day in the United States, represents a symbolic day in the heart of each American. The first week of July is typically one of the busiest American traveling periods of the calendar year, as lots of people use the holiday for planned family vacations and trips. It is also one of the deadliest holidays to drive on the roads, especially in California.

The Fourth of July inspires fireworks, parades, Pool parties, beach bonfires, garden BBQs, family gatherings, fireworks shows, concerts, & baseball games.

How about safe driving? This past year, several people passed away, and hundreds of people were injured in car accidents investigated by the California Highway Patrol during the four-day July 4th holiday weekend. Thousands more were cited for speeding, and more than a couple of hundred people for DUI.

According To The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, July Fourth Is The Most Deadly Day Of The Year For Motorists Across America Due To Impaired Drivers.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that alcohol-impaired drivers account for approximately 30% of traffic-related deaths in the United States. Even if impaired drivers didn’t actually kill anyone, they cause accidents all the time. They drive erratically, speeding up and slowing down, swerving, weaving, & crossing into other lanes. Typically, they’re tired from too much liquor and often fall asleep at the wheel.

The travel group AAA stated approximately 70.9 million Americans will take trips to destinations at least 50 miles from their homes during the holiday period, which it defines as from Sunday, June 30, to Thursday, July 4. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety mentioned that the Fourth of July is the deadliest day of the year when it comes to vehicle accidents. Why? The main cause of these four reasons:

• There are more vehicles on the road.
• More drivers have been driving in regions beyond their regular commute.
• Today, more than ever, people are using their mobile telephones while driving.
• More people are drinking throughout the afternoon.

It’s Important That You Take Defensive Measures While Driving.

Negligence is a significant reason why there are so many automobile accidents in the U.S. Unfortunately, we live in a world where many drivers fail to follow the rules and don’t take adequate security measures to reach their destination. Say, for instance, some motorcyclists ride their bikes without wearing helmets at the very least. Other drivers fail to check if passengers buckle up or never even ask their riders if they’re strapped in before hitting the road. Review your driving habits and discard some unsafe practices that can put you at risk.

From 2010 through 2014, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said an average of about 118 people died in vehicle crashes on July 4th in comparison with any other day, which is typically about 90 fatalities. According to the National Safety Council, New Year’s Day is among the deadliest days for motor vehicle accidents, with holiday periods normally seeing increased fatality rates. That is why it’s so important to be especially defensive when driving home from your Fourth of July holiday trip.

Below Are 20 Driving Suggestions To Follow For A Safer 4th Of July Drive

1. Avoid Going Out — Stay Where You Are If Possible! If you don’t have to, don’t drive in any way. If it’s a weekend and you’re spending it out of town, stay overnight in a motel or campground & drive home the following morning.
2. Do Not Drive Your Motorcycle — Leave your bike at your house & drive your vehicle instead. Motorcyclists are at particular risk at the beginning of July since it’s the middle of summer. Even if you put on a regulation helmet and protective clothing, you’re still far more vulnerable to being involved in an accident compared to if you had been in a vehicle.
3. Drive Home Early — The earlier you drive at the start of July, the better. The later you depart for home, the likelier you will discover impaired drivers. It’s much better to hit the road before 7 AM rather than driving on July Fourth between 3 PM & 8 PM. While many drivers like to procrastinate, consider taking an easy course or leaving early so you don’t need to face the misery of getting trapped in traffic jams during the festive season.
4. Secure Your FurBaby — Most likely, you put on a seatbelt. What about your pet? Cats and dogs should be secured in crates that are fastened by straps or bungee cords in the event of an abrupt stop. A pet or even a hurling crate may crash through the windshield. Guard your 4-legged friends!
5. Always Buckle Up for Safety — In the majority of accidents, seat belts save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a seat belt in the front seat of a passenger car can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45%. On the other hand, seatbelts have saved 91.2% of lives.
6. Never Drink and Drive — A long day in the sand under the hot sunlight will tire you out. Be sure to stay hydrated. Do not use alcohol to satisfy your thirst; booze will only increase your dehydration. Keep loads of water on hand to remain hydrated. All 50 states, including the District of Columbia, have legislation defining driving impaired as a crime if driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above a specified amount, now 0.08 percent (0.08 grams of booze per 100 ml of blood). According to the CDC, one 12-ounce beer contains about the same quantity of liquor as one 5-ounce glass of wine or a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. Drinking liquor reduces reaction time and impairs judgment and coordination, each of which is a skill necessary to drive a vehicle safely. The more alcohol consumed, the higher the impairment.
7. Obey California Speed Limits — Allow loads of time to get to your destination. Most likely, you will need to share the road with a large number of other drivers, road construction, and possible rain and summer storms, so get used to it. You’re not in a hurry. Speeders don’t win.
8. Stay Alert — Have a break when feeling tired. Take advantage of rest stops. Drive defensively. July Fourth, like any other holiday, requires a good deal of patience behind the wheel. Remain calm and attentive, and try to avoid noticeably agitated drivers.
9. Put the Distractions Away — Do not talk on your mobile phone while driving. Worse, don’t text while driving. Both require attention. You may only perform one correctly. Program your GPS before leaving or while stopped, never while driving. Ask your passenger to change the CDs. Comb your hair and apply cosmetics upon arrival at your destination, never while driving. Do not consume, open, or close food packaging while driving. Other vehicles could be getting in your lane, turning, or slowing down. One or 2 seconds of distractions may negatively impact your life and the lives of others. “Thousands and thousands die all year as a result of distracted driving on our nation’s highways,” urges Attorney Joel Feldman, father of a girl who had been killed by a distracted motorist. “The death toll rises dramatically during summertime months, especially for young drivers. We can all make a difference if we remember to keep our hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and stop trying to multitask while we drive.”
10. Load SUVs Properly — When loaded with additional weight, for example, riders, bags, the compartment, and equipment, SUVs become stable. In contrast to the majority of sedans and station wagons, SUVs have a higher center of gravity. With the excess weight, which typically rides over an SUV’s center of gravity, the vehicle will tip over more easily.
11. Never Text or Use Your Cell Phone While Driving — Taking your hands off the steering wheel, plus taking your eyes off the road to text, is quite dangerous. Talking on your mobile phone while driving is also harmful, although a lot of people have the misconception that a hand-held device is safe to use. It isn’t. While certainly higher than holding your mobile, having phone conversations while driving distracts you from concentrating on what is ahead, behind, and to the sides of you.
12. Drive Cautiously on Rural Roads — According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, rural roads account for 43% of all roadway deaths despite only 20% of Americans living in rural areas, with fatality rates per vehicle mile traveled being 1.5 times higher in rural areas than urban areas.
13. Maintain Safe Following Distances — If possible, remain a few automobile lengths behind the vehicle(s) in front of you. This way, you’ll have a much higher chance of seeing erratic driving and avoiding its consequences. Use the 3-second rule to establish a secure following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
14. Be Extra Careful When Approaching Intersections — Impaired drivers are not known for obeying traffic signals and signs. Be particularly vigilant when coming to an intersection. Be conscious of vehicles coming from crossroads or roads. Do not presume they’re going to stop, even if they seem to be slowing.
15. Cooperate at Checkpoints — Most states & municipalities set up police checkpoints on holidays. Do not be irritated if you come to one. The officers have been foregoing their very own holiday to protect you. Be considerate to them and bring your motorist’s license & insurance card when requested.
16. Be the Designated Driver — A 4-day weekend is not an automatic right to drink and drive. Agree to be the designated motorist at parties or establishments where liquor is being served. Even a few beers may impair your driving ability. Besides, it’s tough to maintain tabs once you’ve started.
17. Preventive Car Maintenance Pays Off — Have your vehicle taken to the closest automobile mechanic that you trust the most. They would have the ability to advocate for any repairs or additions that may prolong the vehicle’s life. From routine oil changes to checking the correct functionality of your lights, drivers are responsible for ensuring their automobiles run in good condition. Drivers generally overlook vehicle maintenance; however, the more you understand about your vehicle, the better. Get a tune-up. Check tire tread & pressure, oil & fluid levels, working lights, windshield wipers, etc.
18. Plan Your Route & Program It Into Google Maps — Before leaving home, check the Caltrans QuickMap to get familiarized with the current road conditions and other alternative shortcuts that might help you arrive at your destination on time. If you own a smartphone, check the map on your display or get an application that allows users to plan their travel. During the drive, have a responsible passenger alert the motorist to closures and upcoming exits to minimize distractions. Avoid staring at directions on the phone while driving.
19. Get a Good Night’s Rest — Did you sleep well? If you know you’ll be driving long distances before and during July Fourth, why not sleep well? Once you feel rested, you will feel more active & energized to carry out a new venture. However, sleeping for a couple of hours. It can influence your attention & your ability to produce a well-informed decision while on the road. If you are taking riders with you, consider switching drivers to help keep your mind rested.
20. Pay Attention to Big Commercial Trucks — They also have big blind spots. The rule is that if you can not see the semi-truck/big-rig motorist in their side-view mirror, they can not see you. Big rigs also require a whole lot longer to stop when compared to a passenger vehicle, so never cut in front of any 18-wheeler truck.

Last But Not Least, Possibly The Most Important Reminder We All Can Offer You

Report Drunk Drivers — According to MADD, if you see a drunk motorist on the road, you should not approach them. Maintain a safe distance or exit the highway if need be. If you have a passenger with you, have them get the following information:

• The license plate number of the automobile.
• The make and model of the vehicle.
• The name of the road you are on.
• The direction the automobile is headed.

How To Spot A Drunk Or Drugged Driver

While we’re not advising you ever to take the law into your own hands or put yourself in jeopardy, your vigilance on the road can help keep our roadways safe for you, your loved ones, and your next-door neighbor.

Here are 15 signs indicating that a fellow driver may be driving while impaired:

1. Sudden acceleration or deceleration.
2. Tailgating
3. Weaving or zigzagging across the road.
4. Driving anywhere other than on a road designated for vehicles.
5. Almost striking an object, curb, or vehicle.
6. Stopping without cause or erratic braking.
7. Drifting in and out of traffic lanes.
8. Signaling that is inconsistent with driving actions.
9. Slow response to traffic signals (e.g., sudden stop or delayed start).
10. Straddling the center lane mark.
11. Driving with headlights off at night.
12. Swerving
13. Driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit.
14. Turning abruptly or illegally.
15. Driving into opposing traffic on the wrong side of the road.

Your passenger may then call 911 & review this information & provide a description of the erratic behavior you noted. Your safety is important. Do not honk at a suspected drunk motorist or attempt to signal them in any manner. Consider taking an alternate route if one is available or exiting temporarily.

If You Or Your Loved One Was Injured In A Drunk Driving Crash In California

Your family may need help in pursuing financial compensation. As a general rule, personal injury compensation is meant to reimburse you for your actual losses. In some drunk driving accident cases, punitive damages may be available but are rarely awarded by the court. DUI accident victims may be able to pursue compensation for their economic losses and their non-economic suffering.

At Arash Law, our car accident lawyers are dedicated advocates for injured victims. Our law firm does not represent defendants or serve insurance companies. We use our skills, knowledge, and legal experience to advocate for the interests of injured victims. Following an accident, you and your family may need a California DUI victim lawyer on your side. When looking for a ‘DUI accident attorney near me,’ consider everything from credentials and experience to industry recognition.

Our California personal injury law firm has represented victims of DUI car accidents across the state. When you hire our California DUI accident lawyers, you will receive guidance from an experienced legal professional. When we take on your case, our legal team will:

• Offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
• Conduct a thorough investigation of your DUI accident case.
• Answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide guidance.
• Gather all relevant evidence to build a persuasive legal case.
• Represent your interests in settlement negotiations to seek appropriate financial compensation.
• Prepare for personal injury litigation.

Contact Our California Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today

Our California car accident lawyers have the experience needed to represent drunk driving accident victims throughout the personal injury case. We are committed to protecting your legal rights and pursuing fair compensation for you and your family. We’re ready to represent clients across the Golden State from Los Angeles, Irvine, Fresno, Sacramento, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County. Call us anytime, from anywhere in California, at (888) 488-1391 for a free case analysis. Our accident lawyers are available to evaluate your situation and offer advice on your next steps.