Fourth of July is a time to get together with friends, eat barbecue and drink some beers. However, you want to make sure you do not go overboard. According to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Fourth of July is the second deadliest day of the year on American roadways. January 1st is the topmost.
You do not want to contribute to those statistics, so you should do everything within your power to avoid drinking and driving. You can have a fun holiday while taking active steps to ensure none of your loved ones get behind the wheel drunk. You also want to stay safe from anyone else on the road who may have had one too many.
Avoid driving late at night
You may have traveled quite a ways to see a spectacular fireworks celebration. However, the festivities did not end until late at night, and now you have to drive when it is pitch-black out. If possible, you should try to leave events with plenty of time to get on the road at a safe hour.
Drive in the right lane
When you do drive home, you would do well to stay in the rightmost lane on freeways. This will keep you safest from drunk drivers who may swerve between lanes as well as drivers going the wrong way. This will reduce the chances of another vehicle sideswiping you.
Select a designated driver
In the event your plans this Fourth of July involve drinking, at least one person in your party should remain sober. Another option is to find a cab service in advance, so you know whom to call. There is also Lyft and Uber to help you get home safely.
Be straightforward with friends
There is no harm in being as direct as possible when it comes to ensuring your friends never drive drunk. Take away a friend’s keys if you believe he or she is in no condition to drive. To avoid embarrassing your friend, you can have this conversation in private.
