We are only a week away from one of the biggest celebrations in America. While we love the annual traditions of watching parades, attending parties, hosting barbecues, and enjoying fireworks, the Fourth of July is also one of the most dangerous holidays. Drunk driving accidents tend to rise over this holiday, as alcohol served at parties results in impaired judgment, an inability to focus, and delayed response times. However, driving under the influence is not the only danger spikes on July 4th – other tragedies include swimming pool accidents, firework injuries, and falls due to dangerous property conditions.
To protect yourself, your friends, and your family from these accidents and limit your liability, follow these safety tips.
- Alcohol: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2020, 493 people died in motor vehicle accidents over the Fourth of July weekend. Approximately 41 percent of traffic fatalities were associated with drunk driving, most of those being at night. Because this holiday is one of the most dangerous times of year for drunk driving, individuals should pace themselves and limit the number of drinks they consume. Do not drink all day in the sun, or if you drink during the day, be sure to have plenty of food and water as well. The best solution is to designate a driver before you even arrive at the party – you don’t want to be choosing the “least impaired” person after a party. If no one is designated at the outset of the day, plan on calling a rideshare vehicle or taxi to get home. Remember – drunk boating is just as dangerous as drunk driving. alcohol use is the leading cause of fatalities on the water. Important to note: Alcohol and driving are a bad combination, but alcohol and fireworks can have devastating consequences as well.
- Swimming Pools: If you are hosting a party and you have a swimming pool on your property, you should be aware of the potential risks of injury and drowning. The property owner has a responsibility to do all they can to make the swimming pool and its surroundings safe for guests. Here are some of the top safety tips for a safe Fourth of July:
- Any children in or around the pool must have adult supervision at all times.
- Offer lifejackets and flotation devices, and keep extras close by in case of emergency.
- Check the pool before everyone arrives to make sure that pool drains and filters are working properly.
- Institute a buddy system for swimmers, no matter their age – no one swims alone.
- Prohibit diving unless the water is at least 8 feet in depth.
- Prohibit any running around the pool area. Read here for tips on making the pool surface more non-slip.
- Monitor any drunk individuals who may enter the pool.
If someone is injured in an accident in or around a swimming pool and the property owner was deemed negligent, they can be held legally liable.
- Fireworks: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made it legal for any adult to utilize fireworks, but only on three days per year – New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and the Fourth of July. While legal, improperly handling fireworks can lead to severe injuries, and alcohol use elevates the risk of accidents. If you plan to shoot off fireworks:
- Don’t drink alcohol if you plan to use fireworks.
- Make sure someone who is knowledgeable about fireworks is in charge of their discharge.
- Never aim fireworks at other people.
- Failing to utilize fireworks safely can result in serious burns, scarring, and disfigurement. Other common burn injuries over holidays stem from firepits and backyard grills.
Florida property owners have a duty of care to keep their premises safe for visitors. If there are any dangerous conditions on your property, remove them before having guests over to celebrate the day.
Some quick tips on keeping your property safe include:- Keep your pets in a safe place during the party. Even if your pet has never bitten or attacked anyone, the number of people and noise of the fireworks could cause them to lash out.
- Secure any electrical wires or cords.
- Create boundaries around dangerous areas to prevent children from accessing the area.
- If you are a property owner and fail to make your property safe for visitors, you could be sued if someone is injured.
- If you are a guest, keep in mind that your case may be impacted if you drank too much alcohol or acted recklessly.
When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, call Probinsky & Cole to discuss your case.
