{"id":17015,"date":"2021-07-13T03:14:49","date_gmt":"2021-07-13T03:14:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webdemo.icu\/site\/andywins\/?p=17015"},"modified":"2026-02-02T23:19:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T07:19:43","slug":"fourth-of-july-accidents-put-everyone-on-alabama-roads-at-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webdemo.icu\/site\/andywins\/blog\/fourth-of-july-accidents-put-everyone-on-alabama-roads-at-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Fourth of July Accidents Put Everyone on Alabama Roads at Risk"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

When you think of the 4th of July, gatherings with friends and family, barbecues, fireworks, and a whole lot of red, white, and blue probably come to mind. Unfortunately, there\u2019s another common theme to the 4th of July\u2014an annual spike in car accidents<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While Independence Day celebrations include many fun traditions, you should know what to do if your holiday travel plans are impacted by another driver\u2019s mistakes. Keep reading to learn more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why Are There So Many Fourth of July Car Accidents?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Extra time off work and plenty of parties means Americans are travelling to see friends, family, and celebrate our nation\u2019s independence. In Alabama, the traffic doesn\u2019t just spike going to the beach; the roads are busy across the entire state. Unfortunately, the increase of traffic and ongoing celebrations often means an increase in impaired and drunk driving.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Unfortunately, impaired driving is not limited to alcohol\u2014illegal substances such as marijuana or misusing prescription drugs can have similar effects to alcohol when operating a vehicle. Even drowsy driving<\/a> after a day of celebrating can be deadly, especially combined with alcohol.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Impaired driving increases risky behavior such as speeding and not wearing a seat belt. It also decreases reaction times and inhibits judgement and coordination. This makes for a dangerous combination leading to an increase in crashes. The Center for Advanced Public Safety at the University of Alabama reports the days surrounding the 4th of July have a 29% higher fatal crash rate than the rest of the days in the year. Additionally, the National Safety Council released a study showing that impaired driving is a factor in about 28% of traffic fatalities throughout the year. However, that number spikes to 38% for the 4th of July holiday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This year, Alabamans are eager to celebrate with friends and family again after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. However, if your holiday is interrupted by someone else\u2019s poor choices, you should know what to do.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Fourth of July Weekend Car Accident<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you or a loved one are involved in a car crash during the July 4th<\/sup> holiday weekend, here\u2019s what you should do to protect your health, your future, and your claim.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n