July Fourth Holiday Accidents

By Eric Saiontz
Posted July 1, 2008

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), July 4th is the most dangerous time to drive all year. In 2007, there were 659 fatal auto accidents over the Fourth of July holiday, which is the most of any time for the entire year. A number of accidents are caused by alcohol, but drowsy driving over the holiday weekend could also make this a dangerous time on the roads

Throughout the country, local authorities and national organizations are stepping up efforts to prevent holiday accident driving deaths this coming weekend. Alcohol related accidents are a major target of the NHTSA, with a nationwide campaign designed to remind people that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.” Last year, over two thirds of the fatal accidents over the July 4th holiday period involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

Another threat on the highways which gets a lot less attention than drunk driving is fatigue or tired driving. This time of year, families are often traveling long distances and driving at odd hours, such as late nights or early mornings. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), as many as 36% of people involved in a 2008 Sleep in America poll admitted to falling asleep at the wheel.

Drinking and driving or tired driving can slow reaction times, impair judgment, delay processing and cause lapses in judgment, all of which could result in a fatal highway accident. This weekend, make sure your Fourth of July Celebration does not end in an arrest or an auto accident, which could result in a death for you, a family member or someone else on the road. Planning ahead and making sure that you do not get behind a wheel when you are impaired by alcohol or too tired, can save lives.

ACCIDENT LAWYERS

The auto accident lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals who have been inured as a result of the negligent actions of other drivers in Maryland, Washhington, D.C., Virginia and Pennsylvania. If you, a friend or family member have been injured in a highway accident, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.