4th of July Accidents

Independence Day is one of the biggest holidays of the year. It’s a time to enjoy beautiful fireworks displays, barbecues, and parades. Yet it is also a time to be extra careful on the roads, as impaired driving crashes tend to increase around this holiday.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,460 drivers were killed in motor vehicle accidents over the Fourth of July holiday from 2017 to 2021. 38% of these fatalities involved drunk drivers. 4th of July accidents are serious and can have long-lasting effects on drivers and passengers. 

Drunk Driving Crashes Spike on July 4th

Despite the fact that it is illegal to drink and drive in the U.S., one person is killed every 39 minutes in drunk driving accidents. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a driver’s ability, reasoning, and judgment. 

The risk of a drunk driving accident is even higher at night: In 2020, of the 212 people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes, 82% of the fatalities occurred at night between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Drunk driving is not only deadly, but also costly. Based on 2019 numbers, impaired-driving crashes cost the United States $58 billion annually. And the personal consequences of drunk driving can be life-altering, such as jail time, fines, loss of license, and increased insurance rates. 

On a holiday like July 4th, it’s common to enjoy a beer, wine, cocktail with friends and family. However, it is dangerous and deadly to get behind the wheel with even a small amount of alcohol or other substance in your system.

Other Accidents That Can Occur on 4th of July

Driving drunk is not the only danger to watch out for this holiday. Speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents and motorcycle accidents. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), speed is the top factor in auto accidents in California, causing one-third of the traffic-related fatalities.

Firework accidents are also extremely common on the Fourth of July, and many cities ban the use of fireworks because of the dangers involved. Fireworks-related injuries include burns and severe hand injuries. However, distracted driving is a lesser known but equally dangerous behavior. Fireworks, phones, or other passengers may distract drivers and cause a serious accident. It’s always best to keep your eyes on the road or pull over in a safe location. 

Pedestrians and bicyclists must also be extremely cautious over the holiday weekend. In California, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities continue to be on the rise. Bicyclists should always wear a helmet, ride in the same direction of traffic, use hand signals, and follow all traffic laws. Pedestrians should obey signs and signals, walk on sidewalks when available, and cross at crosswalks or intersections. 

July 4th Celebrations in Orange County

July 4th is one of the busiest times of the year for travel. In 2023, travel is expected to hit a record high, with 50.7 million Americans projected to hit the road over the long holiday weekend. Many across Orange County will likely travel by car to local July 4th celebrations. 

Here are some of the most popular July 4th celebrations in Orange County, California:

Dana Point July 4th Extravaganza

Visitors can expect a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor starting at 9 p.m. at Doheny State Beach. However, access to Doheny in the morning of July 4th will be very congested. Locals and visitors are encouraged to use the free Dana Point trolley.

‘Celebrate America!” at Disneyland in Anaheim

Disneyland holds a special 4th of July celebration each year with a dazzling fireworks show. The fireworks show is launched from the top of Sleeping Beauty Castle and can be seen from throughout the park. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. While the best views will be inside the park, spectators without tickets can still experience the show in Downtown Disney and other surrounding areas of Anaheim.

118th Huntington Beach 4th of July

The city hosts one of the most popular Independence Day celebrations in California, which started in 1904. This celebration is held at the Huntington Beach Pier and begins with a 5K run, followed by a 2-hour parade along Main Street, live music, food vendors, and a fireworks show. The 5K run starts at 7 a.m., the parade starts at 10 a.m., and the fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. 

Busy Freeways in Orange County

The I-405 and I-5 freeways are expected to be extremely congested over the holiday weekend. Drivers are advised to find alternate routes to reach their destination, if possible. 

The Safest Time to Drive

The safest time to drive on July 4th is in the morning before 11 a.m. Traffic will be at its worst from noon to 3 p.m. While evening will likely see a decrease in traffic due to the fireworks displays, drivers should still be on high alert during this time. Drunk driving crashes are more common at night. Half of all drunk driving fatalities happen during the nighttime (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. 

Tips to Celebrate July 4th Safely

Here are a few tips to stay safe this 4th of July weekend:

• If you drink alcohol, do not drive. Designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service.
• If you plan to use fireworks, first check your city’s laws and follow safety precautions. Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• As a host, offer non-alcoholic beverages and make sure everyone who drinks leaves with a sober driver.
• If you plan to swim or boat, wear a life jacket and supervise children. Avoid alcohol if you are in or near the water.
• Always wear a seatbelt. Seatbelts reduce the risk of death and serious injury by half. 
• If you’re grilling, keep the grill away from anything that can catch fire. Use long-handled tools and never add charcoal starter fluid when coals are already ignited.
• If you see a drunk driver, pull over safely and call the police. 

How an Orange County Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you or someone you love was injured in a 4th of July car accident, you may want to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer. After a free consultation where we gather the details of your case, our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and obtain police reports and other documents to support your claim.

We will also handle all communication with the other party involved in the accident and their insurance company. Insurance adjusters have one main objective in mind: to close your claim as quickly as possible. Our law firm doesn’t back down and will fight for you every step of the way. We have successfully recovered over $300 million dollars in settlements for our clients. 

Do not let an accident ruin your Independence Day celebrations. Call The Law Offices of Daniel Kim at (800) 719-9779 or send us a message online to set up a free case evaluation today.