Five Ways to Avoid Becoming a Fourth of July Traffic Statistic

The Fourth of July is one of our favorite holidays on the Northshore. Between family gatherings, cookouts, fireworks, and trips to the camp or the coast, there is plenty to celebrate.

Unfortunately, Independence Day is also one of the most dangerous holidays of the year to be on the road.

The National Safety Council estimates that hundreds of people will lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes during the Independence Day holiday period each year, and alcohol-impaired driving continues to play a major role in many of those fatalities.

So what can you do to help your family avoid becoming part of those statistics?

Have a Plan for a Designated Driver Before You Leave

If alcohol is going to be part of the celebration, make transportation plans before anyone arrives at the party.

Whether that means choosing a designated driver, arranging an Uber, or planning to stay the night, the decision should be made before anyone starts drinking.

As the saying goes, friends don't let friends drive drunk.

Buckle Up — Every Trip, Every Time

Seat belts save lives.

After a long day at the pool or fireworks show, it can be tempting to make the short trip home without buckling up, especially if the kids are wet, tired, or half asleep in the back seat.

Don't skip it.

Many serious injuries and fatalities occur only a few miles from home.

Put the Phone Away

The photos, videos, and social media posts can wait.  Your only job while driving is getting yourself and your family home safely.

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable accidents in Louisiana and throughout the country.

Practice Defensive Driving

If there were ever a day to assume another driver may make a bad decision, the Fourth of July is probably that day.

Watch for drivers who are speeding, drifting between lanes, following too closely, or approaching intersections too aggressively.

Giving yourself extra space and anticipating mistakes by other drivers may give you the extra second you need to avoid a collision.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

One of the easiest ways to reduce risk is simply to slow down.

Leave early, avoid rushing, and resist the temptation to make up time by speeding.

The faster a vehicle is traveling, the greater the forces involved in a crash and the greater the likelihood of serious injury.

Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July

At Flattmann Law, we enjoy the holidays just as much as everyone else.

By making a few smart decisions before heading out, we can all help make Louisiana roads a little safer this Independence Day.

Have You Been Injured in a Fourth of July Car Accident?

If you or a family member has been injured in a Fourth of July car accident and would like to discuss your options, we would be happy to answer your questions during a free consultation.

Call our office at 985-590-6182 to learn more.

We represent clients throughout St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Washington Parish, and communities across the Northshore including Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond, and Madisonville.