Car Accidents in Cape Coral and Elsewhere Common over Fourth of July Holiday

The Fourth of July might be smack in the middle of the week, but Americans are using this time to make an extra-long holiday period.

Many will be setting out on vacations. According to CNN, there are more than 42 million Americans who will be venturing out least 50 miles from their home during the holiday period. That’s a near 5 percent increase over the past few years.

Some are saying that it’s the low gas prices fueling the travel fever. Whatever it is we know that our roadways are going to be slammed and you’re urged to be careful. The Fourth of July returns some of the highest rates for car accidents in Cape Coral and elsewhere among any of the holiday periods.
miajbk0.jpg

Our Cape Coral car accident attorneys understand that nearly 55 percent of this year’s Fourth of July travelers are planning on starting their vacation before the work week even begins. It’s going to be a long week of dangerous roadways. According to officials with AAA, nearly 36 million of the near 42 million travelers are expected to get to their destinations via car. The rest of the travelers will be using other forms of transportation, such as trains, planes, cruise ships and buses.

July is the deadliest month out of the year on our roadways. Much of this is a result of the risks we face during the Fourth of July holidays.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 170 people are expected to die in car accidents over the Fourth of July holiday, counting as the time between 6:00 p.m. on the 3rd and 11:59 p.m. on the 4th. Experts are also predicting that more than 17,000 people will be injured in auto accidents during this time, too.

There are ways that you can reduce your risks for one of these accidents. The NSC is here to offer some safe driving tips for this dangerous travel holiday.

Fourth of July Safe Driving Tips:

-Stay off the phone. About a quarter of all accidents involve a cell phone-using driver. Keep distractions out of the driver’s seat.

-Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled in properly during each and every car ride.

-Never leave a kid or a pet unattended in a vehicle. During this time of the year, heat-related injuries are common when individuals are left inside of a car, even when it’s running and the windows are cracked.

-Do not drink and drive. Remember that officers are out looking for impaired drivers through their Fourth of July Impaired Driving Prevention Campaign.

-Make sure you know where your teen driver is going, who they’re going with and when they’ll be back.

-Never get into a vehicle with an intoxicated driver.

-Get plenty of rest before heading out on your car.

-Keep calm behind the wheel and stay focused on the road.

-Check weather and traffic conditions before heading out.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, has spent four decades fighting for the rights of the victims of car accidents in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Lehigh Acres, Port Charlotte and elsewhere throughout South Florida. Call today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. 1-800-283-2900.

Additional Resources:

More people hitting the highways for Independence Day holiday travel
, by Jim Barnett, CNN
More Blog Entries:

All FHP Officers Will be Patrolling our Roadway this Fourth of July Weekend to Prevent Car Accidents in Fort Myers and Elsewhere, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, July 1, 2011

Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Wish You a Safe and Fun Fourth of July, Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, July 2, 2011

Badge
Badge
Badge
Badge
Contact Information