AAA predicts that a record number of Americans will be hitting the roads for the Fourth of July weekend. More specifically, 37.5 million people will be driving 50 miles or more from their homes between June 30 and July 4. Florida residents should remember, however, that with the festivities come certain health and safety hazards.
The nation’s birthday is, in fact, considered the deadliest holiday of the year. Esurance and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety state that it is the worst for fatal car crashes. Every year, there are approximately 200 traffic deaths during the Fourth of July weekend. Drunk driving on that weekend alone is to blame for 40 percent of all highway fatalities between 2007 and 2011.
Fireworks pose another perennial hazard. According to the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission, when fireworks malfunction, they can easily injure the hands and fingers. The face, head and ears can also be vulnerable. Burns are the most common form of fireworks injury.
Other dangers include food poisoning from undercooked meat and alcohol poisoning. Swimming accidents occur frequently as well. While children should be carefully monitored and wear life jackets, adults are advised never to combine drinking with swimming.
As for drivers who are injured through no fault of their own, they can seek the guidance of an auto accident lawyer and file a claim against the responsible party’s auto insurance company. If successful, they could be covered for their medical bills, vehicle damage and other losses. If they were partially at fault, the settlement might be lower, but the claim will not be made void.
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