Independence Day Injury Risks and Safety Tips
Celebrating our country’s independence on the Fourth of July is part of being an American. This holiday is filled with fireworks, backyard barbecues, pool parties, and family and friends celebrating together. Many enjoy Independence Day on the water, with boating, swimming, and water sports.
Along with the festivities on the Fourth of July comes a risk of accidents and injuries. In the U.S., 11,500 individuals were treated in ERs for fireworks injuries, and nine died from their injuries, in 2021, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Independence Day also brings a higher risk of car accidents, grilling and fire accidents, and boating and water sports accidents. The following are tips to help you stay safe on the Fourth of July.
Road Dangers and Safety Tips for Independence Day
Impaired driving crashes often increase around the Fourth of July, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). From 2016 to 2020, 1,390 drivers were killed in motor vehicle crashes during this holiday period, 41% of whom were drunk. To help you stay safe on the roads during the Independence Day holiday:
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Try to avoid roads with heavier traffic if you must drive.
- Plan for a sober ride if you intend to drink alcohol.
- Do not get behind the wheel of a car after even one drink.
- Do not let friends or family members drive impaired.
- Pull over and call 911 if you see a drunk driver on the road.
Fourth of July Grilling and Fire Dangers and Safety Tips
From 2014 through 2018, grills, hibachis, and barbecues were involved in an average of 10,600 home fires per year, as stated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Follow these tips for safer home grilling:
- Do not drink while grilling.
- Wear long sleeves and grilling gloves.
- Do not wear loose clothing and put long hair up.
- Place your grill at least 10 feet away from your home and other structures and away from trees, overhangs, or anything that could catch fire.
- Clean your grill regularly. Grease buildup can cause flare-ups.
- Check your grill for propane leaks and other problems.
- Be ready to put out a grease fire with baking soda or a fire extinguisher.
Independence Day Boat and Water Dangers and Safety Tips
In 2021, 593 reported boating accidents with 256 injuries and 44 fatalities occurred in California, as stated by the Division of Boating and Waterways. To stay safe on the water:
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Do not drink while operating a vessel.
- Create a float plan to facilitate search and rescue in an emergency.
- Maintain your vessel’s engine to prevent stalling
- Check the weather and use common sense.
Fireworks Dangers and Safety Tips for the Fourth
Fireworks can be dangerous, particularly when the individuals involved have been drinking. To help avoid serious injury from fireworks on the Fourth of July:
- Read all instructions before using any fireworks.
- Never light fireworks in the direction of another person.
- Keep a bucket of water within easy reach at all times.
- Do not handle or attempt to relight fireworks that fail to ignite – a delayed reaction could cause serious injury.
Our firm is dedicated to upholding our clients’ rights and fighting for the compensation they deserve. We have won hundreds of millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. If you are hurt on the Fourth of July holiday because of someone else’s negligence, contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569.