Fourth of July Is One of The Deadliest Driving Days

Celebrating the Fourth of July is about getting together with loved ones and celebrating our nation’s independence with backyard barbeques, poolside cocktails, sparklers, and fireworks at night. Many of us envision a day spent outdoors not far from home when considering our Fourth of July holiday plans. However, it’s important to remember that the Fourth of July remains one of the most heavily traveled days of the year across the United States.

According to AAA, the average distance traveled on July 4 is 617 miles. What’s troubling about that is a five-year study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that the Fourth of July is more deadly for Florida drivers than any other holiday – including New Year’s Day.

As the Fourth of July approaches, it’s essential to understand why roads are so dangerous for drivers in Florida. With increased awareness, Americans can celebrate the red, white, and blue during this holiday without fear of becoming a tragic statistic.

What Are Fourth of July Statistics in Florida?

Driving on Florida roads comes with a certain level of risk on any day of the year. According to the IIHS, Florida experiences the third-highest number of fatal car crashes compared to any other state except California and Texas. The IIHS’s most recent data shows about 3,000 deaths each year caused by vehicle crashes in Florida.

While these statistics are compiled throughout the entire year, there are common factors that make July 4 the deadliest day to drive.

Fourth of July Collisions Close to Home in Florida

Every day, drivers deal with distractions behind the wheel that could lead to fatal accidents. Outside of the typical distractions, there are two primary causes for deadly car accidents on Independence Day: drunk driving and road rage.

Drunk Driving

Drunk and drugged driving have long been the cause of horrific and deadly car accidents. On the Fourth of July, however, driving under the influence is a key factor contributing to fatal crashes. Forty percent of all car crash fatalities on Independence Day are caused by drunk driving. So, even if you refrain from drinking alcohol, other drivers who may be drunk on the road can put your life at risk.

Road Rage

As more drivers take to the local streets for their holiday plans on the Fourth of July, roads become congested, and locals can grow frustrated behind the wheel. When drivers give in to road rage, fatal crashes are more likely to occur. When drivers focus on another’s driving habits, they pay less attention to the road conditions around them. That can lead to excessive speeding, cutting off other drivers, tailgating, driving between the lanes, and other aggressive maneuvers.

Fourth of July Collisions on The Open Road in Florida

As previously stated, Floridians like to celebrate Independence Day by loading up the car and taking a road trip. But even after the driver has traveled safely outside the vicinity of their local roads, they still need to be wary of possible hazards on the highways.

The majority of deadly crashes that occur on Florida’s highways are related to stranded drivers and those who drive fatigued after hours behind the wheel.

Stranded Drivers

AAA reports that the Fourth of July is one of the busiest travel holidays for roadside service calls. A reported average of 520,000 drivers gets stranded on the road on Independence Day each year. That can be caused by:

• Flat tires

• Engines overheating

• Dead batteries

• Locking their keys in the car

Whatever the reason may be, stranded motorists on the shoulder of busy roads play a large part in car crashes far from home.

Fatigued Driving

While taking road trips for a day or two of fun away from home is an iconic American tradition, it’s not uncommon for your eyes to start playing tricks on you when driving late at night. Fatigued driving can manifest itself in many ways that can lead to a fatal crash.

A condition called highway hypnosis typically sets in after long hours on the road. Drivers may or may not be tired, but after cruising down a mundane road with no turns or traffic lights – the brain goes into autopilot. As a result, reactions are delayed, and deadly accidents may occur.

Call Trusted Car Accident Attorneys in Davie

You can be extra cautious when traveling this Fourth of July, but you can’t control others’ actions on the road. If you’re involved in a car accident in Davie that was caused by the negligence of another driver, contact the Law Offices of McCullough & Leboff, PA, for help.

Car accident attorneys at McCullough & Leboff, PA, offer highly personalized attention to each client’s injury claim. With more than 48 years of experience in personal injury law, you can be confident they will use their knowledge to fight for a maximum settlement. To schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney today, complete an online contact form or call us.