Residents of New Jersey may be too busy having fun to think about safety during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. Still, it’s wise to know what the most common risks are. For instance, Esurance and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety claim that Independence Day is the deadliest day for drivers. In fact, about 40 percent of all highway deaths between 2007 and 2011 were caused by intoxicated drivers over the July Fourth weekend.
Typical traffic dangers are even greater since more people are on the roads. AAA estimates that 37.5 million Americans will be traveling 50 miles or more during the Fourth of July weekend. This sometimes means traveling unfamiliar routes, which can negatively affect driving performance.
Safety hazards are not confined to the roads, however. Those who play with fireworks should remember that mishaps can occur with defective products. Approaching a “dud” firework, only to have it go off, can lead to burns to the hands, face and eyes. The head and ears could also suffer injury.
In addition, eating undercooked meat — a real possibility at July Fourth barbecues — could lead to food poisoning while drinking to excess can cause alcohol poisoning. Since swimming accidents are all too common during this holiday, those with young children should be extra careful.
Above all, though, people should watch out for motor vehicle accidents. Those who are injured in a crash through no fault of their own may want to file a claim for compensation. A lawyer could evaluate the claim, factor in any comparative negligence and hire third-party experts to gather the necessary proof of negligence. If the insurance company won’t agree to a settlement, the attorney can litigate.
