Across the nation, the Fourth of July has become the deadliest drunk driving day of the year. Each year on that day, around 300 people die in alcohol-related accidents. These deaths account for almost 40 percent of all traffic deaths for that weekend. On any given day, alcohol driving deaths account for around 25 percent of driving deaths.
Then when you add in the 11,000 firework injuries and three to four firework fatalities, the Fourth seems to be the deadliest and most dangerous day of the year.
Fresno Police Attempt to Lesson the Blow
In an effort to lower these numbers, the Fresno Police Department initiated a “saturation patrol” on June 21, 2019, where they ferreted out 11 drunk drivers and a host of non-alcohol related offenders. Over a given year, around 360 DUI crashes occur resulting in 121 injured and 15 killed. That means on typical weekend day there are at least 3 DUI crashes which goes up to around 4 or 5 on the Fourth of July alone.
Fresno Police conducted the same patrol the next Friday, June 28th, but the numbers for that day aren’t available at the time of this article. They are hoping that a presence two weekends in a row before the Fourth will help keep those drinking off the road ensuring a safer Fourth for everyone.
What to do to Stay Safe on the Fourth
Of course, the safest thing to do is to stay home, but what’s the fun of that? The average person drives around 50 miles on and around the Fourth to attend celebrations. So, if you have plans that include driving or alcohol, there are some tips that will help you keep safe:
- Keep the Keys: If hosting, don’t let those who have been drinking to drive. Get them an Uber of a couch, but make them check in their keys. You can buy a breathalyzer for around $100 to use for them to get their keys back.
- Plan, Plan, Plan: Have a plan in place for both driving and drinking. If you drive, do it during off-peak hours and drive as little as possible. If you plan to drink, then plan not to drive. Plan to get an Uber or Lyft reservation or have a designated driver.
- Follow Firework Laws: in California, only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are approved. Basically, any firework the flies or explodes is illegal. Also, even if it doesn’t, it must have the California “Safe and Sane” logo to be lawful to sell, buy our use.
- Follow Safe Fireworks Practices: Have water ready, have approved fire-resistant bucket for spent fireworks. Let only adults let off fireworks.
Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one is injured by a drunk driver in Fresno or anywhere in the valley on the 4th or any other date, contact our Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer for a free consultation.
