The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) periodically assesses multiple holidays throughout the year to determine which are the most dangerous to be on the road, and its findings should be noted for the one coming up soon — the Fourth of July. In a Traffic Safety Facts publication on holiday car accident fatalities in 2019, NHTSA revealed that 594 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes over July 4, ranking #1 among all single holiday periods.
Some of the reasons for this increase in auto crashes around the holidays are obvious, while others might surprise you. If you were hurt, you should consult with a Miami car accidents attorney about your legal options. Meanwhile, you can review some of the key contributing factors that make the Fourth of July a particularly dangerous time for motorists.
Drunk Driving
NHTSA data reveals that almost 40% of all deaths during holidays involve at least one motorist who was driving under the influence of alcohol. Around the Fourth of July, more people are hosting parties, cook outs, fireworks displays, and other celebrations, many of which involve adult beverages. The festivities tend to encourage overindulgence and someone gets behind the wheel of a car after having a few too many. Alcohol has multiple adverse implications for a driver’s ability to safety operate a vehicle, including slowed response time, reduced cognitive capabilities, physical impairments, and many others.
Holiday Celebrations
Regardless of the presence of alcohol, people generally enjoy more celebrations over July 4, and this phenomenon may have an enhanced effect since the holiday falls on a Saturday in 2020. As a result, more people are on the road traveling to parties and festivals. Miami streets will see more congestion, which increases the potential for accidents.
Longer Days, Shorter Nights
The Fourth of July is the dead of summer in South Florida, meaning the sun does not typically set until after 8:00 pm. Of course, the sky is still light for quite some time after. During the longer days of summer, people tend to be out later at night – adding to the already congested traffic from holiday celebrations.
Children Out of School
Kids get together throughout summer break, but they tend to congregate in larger groups out of a sense of celebration over the Fourth of July. When they are running, playing, and riding bikes, they can create a risk of accidents as drivers swerve to avoid hitting them.
Our Miami Car Accidents Lawyers can Assist with Your Legal Options
Though it is possible to be involved in an auto collision any time of the year, knowing when the risk is highest can help you make safe decisions. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash, it is important to retain experienced counsel to help with your claim for compensation. Our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA can assist throughout the legal process, so please contact our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL today. We can set up a no-cost consultation to review your circumstances.