All across the country people will be celebrating the 4th of July, Independence Day, with picnics, BBQs, and fireworks. There’s nothing quite like hanging out outside with family and good friends, standing around the grill with a cold beer in hand. Luckily, the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year, so most people won’t have to worry about getting in early to work the next day. However, everyone who goes out to celebrate needs to have a plan in place if they plan on drinking so they won’t have to drive home after having too much.
High Rate of Incidents
Some of the days with the highest rates of drunk driving accidents and arrests are around national holidays. These include Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and the 4th of July. In fact, July 4th has regularly been the date with the most automobile crash fatalities all year long. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, (IIHS), between 1986 and 2002, July 4th averaged 161 traffic accident-related deaths each year, compared to any an average of 117 deaths per day for most of the rest of the year.
Higher rates of traffic deaths on the 4th may be due to increased alcohol consumption over the course of a long day, dehydration from being in the sun which can increase the effects of alcohol, and many people taking to the road on summer trips. However, the higher numbers of intoxicated drivers on the road over the Independence Day weekend is no secret. Law enforcement is well aware of the increased likelihood of drunk drivers over the holiday.
Police Patrols Step Up
Police departments and the California Highway Patrol are on the lookout for impaired drivers around the 4th of July, with added patrols that will look for signs of intoxicated driving to pull over suspicious drivers. This may come from erratic driving, driving without headlights at night, weaving or straddling lanes, and other traffic violations.
Additionally, some areas will set up sobriety checkpoints to nab suspected drunk drivers. The police departments generally announce these locations with great fanfare and plenty of time. The point of this is to let people know patrols will be out, as a way to enhance the deterrence effect against driving under the influence.
Get Home Safe on the 4th of July
It may be easiest to designate a driver who will not be drinking, to get a ride home. However, things don’t always go as planned. Many groups offer sober rides home for those who’ve had a bit too much.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has put together a list of some of the sober ride programs. Of the programs available in California, some will also tow your car home. Make sure you have these numbers handy before going out. Also, remember to confirm that they are participating in sober rides this 4th of July.
These services include:
Be My DD, 1-877-823-6933, which can drive you and your vehicle home for a fee. This is available in Anaheim, Fresno, Los Angeles, Napa, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clarita, and Ventura.
Santa Clarita Valley Safe Rides, 661-259-6330. This service is for teen drivers cannot drive or who want to avoid a ride with an intoxicated driver. They can get a free ride home, and the service is confidential.
Additionally, in many locations the Automobile Club of Southern Californiaand AAA Northern California offer safe ride services on select dates for members and nonmembers. This service is also called the Tipsy Tow or Tow to Go program.
Get the Help You Need
If you should find yourself arrested for DUI, talk to a talk to a DUI lawyer in San Francisco and 10 other locations at The Kavinoky Law Firm right away. 1.800.NO.CUFFS is the number to call – we don’t sleep – so you can. Don’t wait to get a free consultation from one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the state of California.
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