Fourth of July Accident Safety

The 4th of July is a time for celebration in the United States, marked by fireworks, barbecues, parades, boating and various outdoor activities. However, these festivities also come with inherent risks that can lead to accidents and injuries. 

The top two causes of accidents over the July 4 holiday are fireworks and alcohol. The Pew Research Center reports that approximately 45,000 people visit U.S. hospital emergency rooms for treatment of injuries on July 4 and 5 – nearly 91,000 in total, by far the highest daily numbers in the entire year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that close to 500 people died on July 4th in 2022, and about 40% involved drunk driving. 

Read on to learn more about important safety considerations to help you enjoy a safe and accident-free Independence Day. 

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are a quintessential part of the 4th of July celebrations but are also a significant source of injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks caused over 10,000 injuries in 2022, with children and young adults being the most affected. A new report from the CPSC shows a significant upward trend in fireworks-related injuries over the past 15 years. Nearly 40% of the injuries are burns to the face, fingers, and legs. Nearly three-quarters of injuries happen around July 4. 

The safest thing to do is to attend a public fireworks display and remove yourself from the direct danger of handling and lighting fireworks. But if you insist on using personal fireworks, here are some safety tips to protect yourself and your family:

• Ensure that you are using fireworks that are legal in your area. Illegal fireworks are often more dangerous and don’t meet the relevant regulatory safety standards.
• Carefully read and follow the instructions on the fireworks packaging. Misuse is a common cause of accidents.
• Always have an adult supervise any fireworks activity. Children should never handle fireworks.
• Have a bucket of water or a hose nearby to extinguish any fires quickly and to douse used fireworks before discarding them.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly. Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Wear safety glasses when lighting fireworks to prevent eye injuries, which are quite common.

Grilling Safety

Barbecues are another staple of 4th of July celebrations. However, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that grilling accidents account for thousands of injuries each year, with July being the peak month for such incidents. From minor burns to catastrophic fires, grilling accidents happen frequently. While most injuries are treatable, some lead to long-term complications or even fatalities. Follow these safety tips to keep your friends and family safe:

• Before use, inspect your grill for gas leaks and ensure it is in good working condition.
• Set up your grill in an open area away from buildings, dry grass, and overhanging branches.
• Establish a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the grill.
• Never leave the grill unattended while it is in use.
• Ensure coals are completely cooled before disposing of them, and always have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby.

Water Safety

Many people celebrate the 4th of July by spending time on the water. Pools, lakes, beaches, and water parks tend to go hand-in-hand with the holiday. Drownings and near-drownings occur far more frequently on this day than others. The biggest safety tips are to avoid alcohol if you’ll be enjoying the water with your family and keep a close watch on the kids, particularly the non-swimmers.  

Boating Safety

Boating can be enjoyable, but it comes with its own set of risks. It’s important to be mindful of the following safety tips:

• Ensure that everyone on board wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Avoid alcohol – 0perating a boat under the influence of alcohol is just as dangerous as driving a car while intoxicated.
• Be aware of and comply with all local boating laws and regulations.
• Always check the weather forecast before heading out and avoid boating in poor weather conditions.
• Make sure that the operator of the boat is properly trained and experienced.

Travel Safety

Traveling is common during the 4th of July weekend, and the increased traffic can lead to a higher number of accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the most deadly days to be in a car. Here are some safety tips to help keep you safe: 

• Plan your route ahead of time and allow extra travel time to avoid rushing.
• Ensure that all passengers are wearing seat belts.
• Do not use your phone while driving. If you need to make a call or send a message, pull over safely.
• Adhere to speed limits and be extra cautious in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
• If you plan on drinking, arrange for a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service.

General Safety

Lastly, here are some additional general safety tips to keep in mind during 4th of July celebrations:

• July heat can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. Drink plenty of water, especially if you are outdoors for extended periods.
• Use sunscreen with an appropriate SPF, wear hats, and seek shade to protect yourself from sunburn.
• Have a first aid kit readily available to treat minor injuries promptly.
• Fireworks can be distressing for pets. Keep them indoors in a safe, quiet area and ensure they are properly identified with tags or microchips.
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy, including local hospitals and poison control centers.

Contact A Santa Ana Accident Lawyer

While the 4th of July is a time for celebration, it’s crucial to prioritize safety to prevent accidents and injuries. By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with fireworks, grilling, boating, and travel. Let’s ensure that this Independence Day is remembered for joyous celebrations rather than preventable tragedies. Stay safe and enjoy the holiday responsibly. However, if you are injured during the July 4th holiday or anytime, a Santa Ana accident lawyer can help. Here at The Law Offices of Benjamin Arsenian, P.C., we are experienced in representing people who have been injured in a wide array of accidents, including car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and many other types of accidents, whether catastrophic or relatively minor. Contact us today.